Prophets of Doom Worry Katakwi Leaders.
Katakwi- Whereas the Article 7 of the Constitution of Uganda expressly provides that “Uganda shall not adopt a state religion”, Also Article 21(2) prohibits discrimination on several grounds including on the basis of religion and Article 29(1)(c) protects the right to freedom of religion but the authorities of Katakwi district have revealed a surge in prophecies of falsehood in mushrooming churches in the district.
According to the District Security Committee led by the RDC Katakwi, Rtd. Maj Geoffrey Katamba revealed that they have noticed the Pentecostal churches are masquerading as true churches but investigations reveal that some of them forecast false to believers. While others are money minded defrauding for delivering homes.
He says churches are governed and are supposed to be registered by NGO Bureau but they have learnt that they are masquerading without proper documentation.
Katamba says they have established the fact that the rate at which crime of GBV is escalating is being fuelled by the act of false prophecy by these churches. “They even tell women who run to them to settle family wrangle that get another husband that is not yours”
These churches have also perpetrated witchcraft as handkerchiefs are given as problem solvers.
Geoffrey Omolo the District chairperson Katakwi says whereas there is freedom of worship in Uganda but he cautioned deliverers especially women to desist from rushing so called prophetic churches.
He says such churches are doing business because some of these prophets or pastors use familiar spirits that are used to purport as Good spirits from God yet they are witch doctors.
Omolo says they have asked leaders of all churches in the district to present their registration documents so that they can trace them.
Joseph Ecuman, the District councillor for Ongongonja Sub County says on the 30th may the council resolved to close and terminate the operation of these churches because they are not registered as churches.
He says the few churches registered and known in the district are Catholics, Anglicans or Protestants, PAG, Muslims, Christ Disciple and Christ Disciple Church but these churches of prophecy and miracles are registered as NGOs and CBOs.
He has appealed to believers to bind to church traditions in order to avoid cult churches.
A report from Katakwi District Development Actors Network (KADDAN) CBO and NGOs network in Katakwi reveals that the churches in question are not registered with their office.
However, the DSC has issued an ultimatum of two weeks for them to deliver certified documentation to the District Community development Office DCDO failure they will be terminated operating in the District.
