Police in Mpigi District have arrested a traditional healer accused of exploiting and allegedly sexually abusing some of his female clients, following a raid on his shrine prompted by complaints from residents.
The suspect, identified as Yusufu Kaweesi, also known as Jjaja Isabirye, was arrested on Thursday during an operation at Kitavujja Cell in Ward C, Mpigi Town Council.
The raid was led by the head of operations at Mpigi Central Police Station, Bumaali Lugona, and the Mpigi Town Council supervisor of traditional healers, Nalongo Nambi Nakasujja.
Speaking during the operation, Nakasujja said authorities had received complaints about the healer’s conduct, prompting a joint operation involving police and local residents.
Kaweesi’s shrine was subsequently closed by Nakasujja in the presence of police officers and community members.
Investigators recovered several items from the premises, including a machete, a dagger, documents believed to contain details of deceased persons, a hair dryer and other items that police said would form part of ongoing investigations.
Lugona said all recovered exhibits had been secured to aid inquiries into the allegations.
A woman who claimed to have narrowly escaped abuse at the shrine told this reporter that she had sought the healer’s services in a bid to resolve a dispute with her landlord.
‘I had gone there looking for help because my landlord was putting me under pressure over rent fees. What happened there left me frightened,’ said the woman, who requested anonymity.
Kaweesi denied all allegations against him and insisted he had done nothing wrong.
‘These accusations are part of a scheme to tarnish my name and destroy my reputation,’ he said.
Nakasujja said the decision to close the shrine was intended to prevent any further alleged wrongdoing while investigations continue.
Police have appealed to members of the public to provide information that could assist detectives handling the case.
The suspect remains detained at Mpigi Central Police Station pending further investigations.