Police in Katwe has arrested a city pastor for operating an illegal group home. According to police, 10 children and their parents were found confined in a house in Masajja A cell, Massajja Division, Makindye Sabagabo.
The group has been in the house for the last three months.
The raid on the house followed a tipoff from the residents.
“It is alleged that yesterday, July 26, 2022, four children were stopped by concerned community members for hawking liquid soap instead of being at school.
Upon the locals talking to them, they realised it was a matter well suited for investigations and brought them to the police station where the children were interviewed further on where they stayed and were able to reveal that they stayed at the home of one Pastor John, which also acts like a church,” said police in a statement.
The police further revealed that their detectives have established that the preaching at the alleged church discourages children from being taken to school.
“The converts are also encouraged to abandon their homes to follow and live with the pastor. We further established that the children and converts are forced into soap making, which they later have to sell off and proceeds go back to the church,” said police.
The group has been rescued and is currently at Katwe Police Station.
“We have also managed to arrest Nsibirano John alias John Happy with his wife Queen Esther, their daughter and son in law who are believed to be behind this faith,” said police.
They are currently detained at Katwe Police Station as investigations continue into allegations of unlawful confinement.