“Museveni Attends Prophet Kakande’s Church Launch, Raises Questions on Faith Healing and Commercialized Miracles
Much as Museveni put to notice of verification of prophet's healing tenacity, he should also note that some patients die in transit due to the unbearable traffic jam that is caused by closure of several roads leading to places where he is destined to be. Northern Bypass and all roads feeding to it at the junctions of Kalerwe, Bwaise, Namungoona and Busega are routinely closed daily for not less than an hour whenever the president is leaving Entebbe or going back. This unbearable closure of roads, does not only occasion mere inconvenience and suffering to the populace, but it has also resulted in death of patients who are in transit to health facilities
Uganda Today Edition: “Museveni Attends Prophet Kakande’s Church Launch, Raises Questions on Faith Healing and Commercialized Miracles
On December 15, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officiated the inauguration of the Temple Mount Church of All Nations in Mulago, Kampala, led by Prophet Samuel Kakande. The church, acclaimed as one of East Africa’s largest, integrates spiritual and commercial facilities, including 100 luxury hotel rooms and a modern shopping mall.
During his address, President Museveni acknowledged the significance of freedom of worship in Uganda but expressed concerns regarding the healing practices employed by some religious leaders. He emphasized the necessity for government oversight to ensure public safety, particularly when individuals are advised to forgo medical treatment in favor of spiritual healing.
“If you say you don’t go to hospital, I will cure you, and then somebody dies or the condition gets worse, that would be another problem,” the President remarked, underscoring the potential risks of substituting medical care with unverified healing methods.
President Museveni also scrutinized the commercialization of items such as holy water and holy rice sold by certain prophets. He stated, “If it is free water, you can take it; if you are healed, there is no problem. But if you are selling the water, that is business now.” He announced plans to examine these products to ensure they are not harmful, reflecting the government’s commitment to consumer protection.
Drawing parallels to past challenges with the late Omukama Ruhanga Owobusobozi Bisaka of the Faith of Unity Movement, President Museveni highlighted the importance of verifying healing claims. He proposed a systematic approach: “We must get those people—the ones you say were healed—we must check. If he comes, let us first get proof that he is sick. Don’t heal him immediately; let us take the biochemistry, the blood, and other checks so that we know he is sick, and then you cure him. Thereafter, we shall praise you for a miracle.”
The President’s remarks underscore the government’s intent to balance the constitutional right to freedom of worship with the imperative to protect citizens from potentially hazardous practices. As the Temple Mount Church of All Nations commences operations, it is anticipated that Prophet Kakande and his congregation will collaborate with authorities to ensure that their spiritual practices align with national health and safety standards.
The inauguration of this monumental church marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s religious landscape, attracting both local and international attention. However, it also brings to the forefront critical discussions about the intersection of faith, commerce, and public health in the nation’s ongoing journey toward development and societal well-being.
The president attended prophet Kakande’s church for the second time, the first time, being during the heat of presidential campaigns in 2006. He took the prophet’s holy water that time. About one and a half years later, Prophet Kakande boasted that President Yoweri Museveni in part owed his triumph in the 2006 election to his “holy” water.. Will the prophet’s winning miracle be extended in 2026 presidential elections to the perennial incumbent contestant Tibuhaburwa Museveni since 1996?
You may also wish to read: https://www.ugandatoday.co.ug/uganda-today-edition-kampala
