Angry Buikwe Locals Burn Church as Cult Death Toll Rises to 8, Sparked by Refusal of Medical Care

A tragic situation has shaken Buikwe District, where eight people linked to a controversial religious group have died. The most recent victim was a six-year-old boy, leaving the community heartbroken and angry.

The group, known locally as the "666 religion," follows strict beliefs that many locals see as harmful. Members are said to reject medical treatment, vaccinations, and formal education. They also refuse to take part in elections or recognise government authority. Additionally, they avoid modern technology such as phones and TVs and do not obtain identification documents like national IDs.

Villagers in Kiwale decided to take action on Friday. They burned down the group’s church and detained several members, later handing them over to the police. One resident said they could no longer stand by while children died from preventable illnesses, adding that the group’s refusal to accept medical care and vaccinations had caused too much pain.

The community has vowed not to allow the sect back into their area, calling its practices a danger to public health and safety. Meanwhile, there is growing pressure on authorities to act swiftly against such groups while respecting religious freedom.

Police confirmed that investigations are underway. ASP Mugabi Robert Mpamire, the Ngogwe Police Commander, said nine members of the sect had been arrested. He added that their extreme practices and disregard for public health were being treated as a serious matter.

Buikwe MP Dr Lulume Bayiga urged parents to vaccinate their children and warned them to be careful about religious groups that could endanger lives. He reminded people about past tragedies like the Kanungu cult massacre as an example of what can happen when harmful beliefs go unchecked.

Healthcare workers have started an emergency vaccination campaign in Kiwale to stop a measles outbreak that claimed the life of the six-year-old boy. Dr Richard Bossa, Buikwe’s District Health Officer, confirmed that his team is collecting samples from affected children to find out what caused their deaths.

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