Prayer Over Medicine: Mukono Man Dies as Family Waits for ‘Resurrection’

Police in Mukono District have arrested a self-proclaimed prophetess, Nelima Margret, also known as Nabbi, in connection with the death of a 40-year-old man whose family allegedly chose prayer over medical treatment.

According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy PRO for Kampala Metropolitan Police, the deceased, Ssegawa Asse, a resident of Butinindi, Terere Parish in Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council, fell ill about three weeks ago while at the family’s ancestral home. Instead of seeking medical assistance, family members reportedly subjected him to continuous prayer sessions led by the prophetess, who allegedly instructed them not to take him to hospital.

Nabbi Margret, together with Ssegawa’s mother, sisters, relatives, and friends, is said to have insisted that prayer alone would heal him. Despite his worsening condition, no effort was made to obtain medical care, and Ssegawa later died.

Owoyesigyire revealed that the family continued praying over the body for several days, believing he would resurrect. The body remained inside the home as it decomposed, and the incident only came to light when neighbours noticed a foul smell and alerted authorities.

Police officers responded and recovered the body in an advanced state of decomposition.

Three suspects have since been arrested and remain in custody: Nakalazi Eseza (65), mother of the deceased and a pastor, Nakonde Suzan, sister to the deceased, also referred to as “Pastor”, and Nelima Margret, alias Nabbi, the self-proclaimed prophetess, accused of directing the family to avoid medical care

A postmortem examination is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death as investigations continue.

Owoyesigyire condemned the actions of the suspects, warning against practices that put lives at risk under the guise of religious or spiritual beliefs.

“Withholding medical treatment or keeping a deceased person in a home for extended periods in the hope of spiritual intervention is not only dangerous but also criminal,” he said.

He urged the public to prioritise seeking medical care whenever someone falls ill and to uphold respect for the dignity of the deceased.