Pastor dies after 'demon-possessed' worshipper kicks him

A Christmas eve spiritual ritual in Serere District, Uganda, turned to tragedy when a reportedly demon-possessed Christian kicked a pastor to death during an attempt to cleanse him of alleged demonic attacks.

The incident occurred at the Agule Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Ocuko Village, Omagara Parish, Kateta sub-county, Serere District. The tragic event was reported to police by Joseph Erutu.

The deceased, John Michael Ekamu, 52, was a pastor at Agule PAG and a resident of Osokotoit Village in Kateta Sub-county.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Osagani, the son of Simon Ogwang from Mutebe Village, Omagara Parish, is alleged to have come from Kampala on December 24, 2024, and was taken directly to the church for prayers by his father.

According to East Kyoga Regional Police Commander (RPC), Ms Damalie Nachuha, Osagani's father claimed his son was being attacked by demons.

During the prayer session, Osagani reportedly kicked Pastor Ekamu, causing him to fall. Despite this, the prayers continued, and the pastor, along with a few worshippers, stayed overnight at the church.

On Christmas morning, during prayers at around 8am, Pastor Ekamu collapsed on the pulpit. Worshippers suggested taking him to a health center, but he refused, declaring, "the devil has been defeated." As his condition worsened, he was eventually taken to Serere Health Center IV, where an X-ray revealed cuts to his pancreas.

Despite attempts to perform surgery around 3pm, Pastor Ekamu succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The body was transported to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident, as the suspect remains under custody.