Uganda Police, in collaboration with sister security agencies, have successfully rescued nine individuals, including three children under the age of seven, from a shrine in Kawoomya village, Kagenda parish, Kituntu sub-county, Mpigi District.

The operation, led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hassan Kasibante, targeted illegal traditional healers and witch doctors operating in the area.

The shrine, owned by a witch doctor named Sam Lutaaya, was raided following reports of illegal activities and mistreatment of people held there. The rescue mission was carried out with the support of community-based organizations such as Cherished Children’s Foundation (CCF) and Project Rescue Children (PRC), as well as local leaders and licensed traditional healers from Uganda N’obuwangwa Bwaffe.

“We cannot tolerate these fraudulent practices where our people are deceived into believing they are receiving treatment. These witch doctors are leading our people into dangerous situations. We are determined to eliminate these operations,” Mr. Kasibante declared to the residents following the operation.

The rescued individuals, found in a severely weakened state, reported that they had been forced to sleep on the bare ground without blankets and were denied food and proper hygiene, as directed by the witch doctor. “They were only given fruits to eat and were not allowed to bathe. Additionally, they were instructed to shave off all their hair,” stated Mr. Hasan Ssekikubo, the Kawoomya village chairperson.

The victims have been admitted to Mpigi Health Center IV for medical care. Mr. Adam Whittington, the founder of Project Rescue Children, emphasized the commitment to continue rescuing vulnerable individuals, working closely with police and other authorities to extend their efforts nationwide.

In a related action, Mr. Kasibante ordered the immediate closure of a large cave on Teketwe Hill in Buwama Town Council, which had been used by a group of traditionalists from Buganda’s Kkobe clan.

“Security forces have temporarily taken control of the hill, and all activities here have been halted. Our initial investigations suggest that the cave poses a significant threat to human life, and the activities conducted there are highly suspicious,” Mr. Kasibante informed the press.

Two individuals associated with the Teketwe Hill site have been detained at Buwama Police Station to assist with further investigations. This arrest follows a recent police raid on a shrine in Kabanga village, Mpigi Town Council, where 17 human skulls were found hidden in four metallic cases.

The skulls were discovered at the residence of Tabula Bbosa Lujja, who is a prime suspect in the murder of Daniel Bbosa, the former head of the Ndiga Clan in the Buganda Kingdom.