Police Close Nabaasa Cult Camp in Ssembabule

New Vision (Kampala)/May 26, 2003

Kampala -- The Police have closed Prophetess Nabaasa Gwajwa's cult in Ntutsi, Sembabule district after it was found not to be registered. Sanitation in the camp was appaling, reports Grace Matsiko.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of operations, F. X. Rwego, recently ordered Nabaasa's followers to disperse. "She (Nabaasa) was given one week to have her followers leave the place. The place is now vacant, save for her dependants and relatives," Sembabule DPC, Alison Agaba said.

"The reason (for closure) is that she should be cleared by the Uganda Herbalists Association and there was fear of a cholera outbreak," he said.

Two years ago, the Police raided Nabaasa's headquarters in Ntutsi, arrested and charged her with running an illegal society. The charges were, however, dropped.

Nabaasa started the cult in 1997 after she reportedly died and resurrected.