Reports Leo Odrea Omolo
SECURITY agencies in Masaka district are holding a 21-year-old self-styled prophetess accused of stealing sh14m from her follower.
Nahwera, Turyanabo and Abitegeka after their arrest in Masaka
Patience Nahwera alias Mukayesu of Kitenga village in Kabaale district and her two accomplices was yesterday arrested by the Rapid Response Unit commanded by David Agaba.
Nahwera, a very light skinned woman, was described by many as “mysterious”. She always covered herself with white fabric and remained concealed in her shrine made of papyrus reeds.
In the company of Abbas Turyanabo and Nelson Abitegeka, both residents of Mubende town, she was smoked out in a security operation after Zedekiya Kwalanga of Sembabule district complained to the Police that he had been defrauded of sh14m meant to protect him against witchcraft.
“I heard a radio notice saying these people offer free services to those affected by witchcraft. But when I went to their Nyendo base, I was asked to deposit sh30, 000 which I submitted,” Kwalanga said.
He added that during a consultation session at Nahwera’s shrine, a mysterious voice instructed him to light a fire and burn the money which he had carried but the money did not catch fire.
Kwalanga further narrated that they told him that the person bewitching him was very strong and asked for sh17m for charms to protect him.
According to the statement he recorded with the Police, Kwalanga said he sold his cows and a piece of land and raised sh14m, which he gave to Nahwera.
“She kept the money in a box containing other currencies and asked me to leave. Abitegeka told me that he would call me but when I came back on Wednesday, I was instructed to bring more sh20m,” he added.
It was at this moment that Kwalanga smelt foul play and reported the matter to Masaka Police Station.
At the time of the arrest, Nahwera was attending to another client, Cissy Nakalawa.
Nakalawa, who denied being Nahwera’s aide, said she lost sh30,000 to the woman.
“An anonymous person telephoned me advising that I should bring my sick daughter here. Although she is two years old, she cannot sit, talk or see,” Nakalawa explained.
A resident, Hakiim Semakula, told New Vision that they had mistaken Nahwera’s shrine for a Born Again Christian church.
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