Kisoro District, Uganda – Rev. Harrison Kwizera, the Parish Priest of Karago Church of Uganda in the Kabami Archdeaconry, Diocese of Muhabura, has been arrested along with his brother, Herbert Tumushime, and Fred Ssindebwa, a self-proclaimed prophet from Rwanda. The three men are accused of practicing witchcraft and inducing false misfortunes.
The events leading to the arrests began on Easter Monday in Kanyenka village, Muramba Parish, Muramba Subcounty, Kisoro district. Rev. Kwizera had invited Ssindebwa to his family’s ancestral home to conduct prayers and investigate the death of his father, the late Rev. Erasmus John Majambere, who passed away four years prior. The family sought spiritual insight into the circumstances of his death.
During the prayer session, Ssindebwa allegedly dug a small hole inside the house, claiming it would attract a snake connected to the mystery surrounding Rev. Majambere’s death. He instructed the family not to kill the snake, stating it needed to be dealt with spiritually. However, when a snake appeared, the family disregarded the warning and killed it.
Shortly thereafter, Emmanuel Nkurunziza, a family member, reported that his 15-year-old daughter began exhibiting signs of possession or affliction by what was described as a snake spirit. Concerned for his daughter’s well-being, Nkurunziza sought help from his relatives but received little support. Frustrated by their lack of assistance, he decided to report the matter to the authorities.
Ndinze Moses, a lay leader from the Muramba Church of Uganda, where Nkurunziza is a member, expressed his disappointment with Rev. Kwizera’s decision to engage in practices he considered witchcraft instead of relying on faith. He emphasized that legal action was necessary to safeguard the welfare of the minor involved.
Kisoro District Police Commander Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha confirmed the arrests. He strongly condemned the exploitation of religion for manipulation and harm. He stated that the suspects would face appropriate charges upon the completion of investigations, and the Rwandan national would be deported.
