Luwero Magistrate Court has fined a man who claims to be Jesus Shs300,000 for refusing to be counted in the just-concluded National Housing and Population Census (NHPC).
The man, who identifies himself as Jesus Navas Vera and serves as the lead preacher at the King of Star Glopper Eden Church, appeared before the court on Wednesday together with his follower, El Shadai Gracy, for the hearing of their case.
Luwero Grade One Magistrate Christopher Adyeeri Kingi Tindyeebwa convicted them on their plea and asked them to explain why he should not give them the maximum sentence for the offenses. He also asked the two to tell the court why they refused to be counted.
Jesus Navas Vera explained that he belongs to another world and cannot accept being counted by another government. He also quoted Bible teachings, alleging that Herod used a census to search for Jesus and kill him.
The magistrate handed down a sentence of a fine of Shs300,000 each or three months in jail, considering the importance of the exercise.