Recently, Fr. Mpagi informed Bishop Mukasa that he lacked suitable storage space for the amassed fetishes, currently stored at Nandere Parish. Fr. Mpagi shared a room with these items, leaving him with inadequate space for personal use.
The Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, Bishop of Kasana-Luwero Roman
Catholic Diocese, has designated a chamber to store fetishes acquired from
superstitious Christians for future evidence. Bishop Mukasa made this
announcement during his homily on Sunday at the Kasana-Luwero Diocese's 27th
anniversary at Our Lady of Fatima, Queen of Peace Kasana Cathedral.
He disclosed that he had reappointed Rev. Fr. Augustine Mpagi as
the Diocesan Exorcist, a position Fr. Mpagi has held for over five years. Fr.
Mpagi, according to Bishop Mukasa, has been collecting fetishes from believers
indulging in witchcraft across the diocese, covering Luwero, Nakaseke, and
Nakasongola districts.
Recently, Fr. Mpagi informed Bishop Mukasa that he lacked suitable
storage space for the amassed fetishes, currently stored at Nandere Parish.
Fr.
Mpagi shared a room with these items, leaving him with inadequate space for
personal use.
During their discussion, Fr. Mpagi proposed burning the
collections to free up space. However, Bishop Mukasa advised against this,
emphasizing the importance of preserving the evidence for future reference.
Consequently, Bishop Mukasa and diocese officials decided to
allocate space at the Diocesan Headquarters for the dual purpose of housing the
Diocesan Exorcist's office and storing the fetishes. The office will operate
full days on the first and final Thursdays of each month, offering counseling
to visitors on avoiding witchcraft and remaining faithful to Jesus Christ.
Bishop
Mukasa views Fr. Mpagi's collection as a testament to the Church's progress in
combating witchcraft in the area, although witchcraft practices persist.
Luganda Audio
//Cue in: "Kaakati yajja okunsaba...
Cue out: ...n’obannyonnyola ne bagaana."//
In October 2023, police in Nakasongola District investigated the
sudden death of Pastor Daniel Naheirwe during an exorcism in Wanjuki village.
Pastor Naheirwe's attempt to remove supposed fetishes ended tragically when he
collapsed and died while burning the objects.
Earlier, in February 2023, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere,
Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese expressed concern over the prevalence of
shrines compared to churches in Kamira Catholic Parish, Kasana-Luwero Diocese.
He highlighted the betrayal of faith among Christians who attended churches
during the day and visited shrines at night.
Reflecting on his tenure, former Luwero District Police
Commander Samuel Bamuzibire noted witchcraft-related crimes, including mob
justice and murder, as significant challenges in the district. These beliefs
were particularly prevalent in Ziroobwe sub-county.
Bernard Bakalu
Freelancer