Mukono — Police in Mukono District are investigating a tragic case of rash and neglect that led to the death of Ssegawa Asse, a 40-year-old resident of Butinindi, Terere Parish, Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council.
According to preliminary investigations, Ssegawa fell ill about three weeks ago while at his family’s ancestral home. Instead of seeking medical attention, he was subjected to continuous prayer sessions led by a local pastor, Nelima Margret alias Nabbi, along with his mother, sisters, relatives, and friends. Following the pastor’s instructions, Ssegawa was reportedly denied access to any medical care.
Tragically, Ssegawa later succumbed to his illness. Shockingly, his body was kept inside the family home for several days, with relatives and the pastor continuing to pray over it, allegedly hoping for resurrection. The body was only discovered in an advanced state of decomposition after neighbors noticed a strong smell emanating from the house.
Mukono police have registered a case of Rash and Neglect at Kisoga Police Station. The following suspects have been arrested and are in custody: Nakalazi Eseza, 65, mother of the deceased, Nakonde Suzan, sister of the deceased, alias “Pastor” and Nelima Margret alias Nabbi, the pastor who allegedly instructed the family not to seek medical treatment.
A postmortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, as investigations continue.
The Uganda Police Force condemned the incident, stressing that religious or spiritual beliefs should never replace medical care. ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, emphasized that withholding medical treatment or keeping a deceased person at home for spiritual reasons is both dangerous and criminal, and that anyone found promoting such practices will be held accountable under the law.
Police have urged the public to seek immediate medical attention when someone falls ill and to respect the dignity of the deceased. Updates on the investigation will be shared as they become available.
