By Swift Reporter
Police in Mpigi District have arrested a traditional healer and closed his shrine following allegations that he exploited and allegedly sexually abused women who sought his services.
The suspect, identified as Yusufu Kaweesi, popularly known as Jjaja Isabirye, was arrested on Thursday during a joint operation conducted at his shrine in Kitavujja Cell, Ward C, Mpigi Town Council.
The operation followed complaints from residents and former clients who accused the healer of misconduct while offering traditional healing services.
The raid was led by officers from Mpigi Central Police Station under the command of operations officer Bumaali Lugona, alongside the Mpigi Town Council Supervisor of Traditional Healers, Nalongo Nambi Nakasujja.
According to Nakasujja, authorities acted after receiving multiple complaints concerning the conduct of the healer and concerns about the safety of individuals visiting the shrine.
“We received reports from members of the community regarding activities taking place at the shrine, which prompted us to carry out this operation together with police,” she said.
Following the raid, authorities ordered the immediate closure of the shrine pending the outcome of investigations.
Police recovered several items from the premises, including a machete, a dagger, a hair dryer and documents allegedly containing information about deceased persons. Investigators said the items have been secured as exhibits and will form part of the ongoing inquiry.
Lugona said detectives are examining the recovered materials and interviewing witnesses as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
One woman who claimed to have visited the shrine in search of assistance over a dispute with her landlord said she left feeling distressed by her experience.
“I had gone there hoping to get help because I was struggling with rent issues. What happened there left me frightened,” she said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
Kaweesi denied all accusations against him, insisting that he had committed no offence.
“These allegations are intended to damage my reputation and destroy my work,” he said shortly after his arrest.
Authorities say the closure of the shrine is a precautionary measure aimed at preventing any further alleged misconduct while investigations continue.
Police have appealed to anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward and assist investigators.
Kaweesi remains in custody at Mpigi Central Police Station as detectives continue gathering evidence.
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