Truth Matters Newsletters – 2001 – Tragedy in Uganda — As Many as 700 Dead & Murdered: The Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God – (A Post-Catholic Movement) – by Robert S. Liichow
This issue has been devoted to explaining why the local church needs Apologetic Ministries built into their vision of ministry. Our local church, Grace Community Church, has gone to Uganda on two occasions to work with local evangelicals and teach some of their youths how to play baseball. Currently we have no idea if any of their friends or family were caught up in this latest bible-base cult group. The following information was gleaned from CNN and others on-line news sites.
The History of the Group—
This cult was started in the middle 1990’s by a woman name Cledonia Mwerinde, she was a former prostitute. She was assisted by a former Roman Catholic priest name Joseph Kibweteere.
At one point the group operated a school which housed almost 300 students. The school was closed in 1998 when the government investigated it and determined it did not meet adequate standards for food and housing.
Their Beliefs—
The members of the movement were commanded to communicate only by gestures. They were permitted to vocalize only when singing or preying.
It is currently believed that the mass deaths were a result of Kibweteere’s prediction that the world would end on December 31, 1999. This date was revised to 12-31-00 after the earlier date passed without event.
Kibweteere’s beliefs in the end of the world was allegedly based on a conversation he claims to have had with both Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Mary is suppose to have told him that the world was going to be destroyed because its people were not adhering to the Ten Commandments.
The End Results?—
The death count linked to a Christian doomsday sect climbed ever higher Wednesday—to nearly 700 — in what officials say is one of the largest mass murders in recent history. Authorities initially called the conflagration a mass suicide. But within days, investigators discovered six strangled, mutilated corpses in a pit latrine on the compound, triggering a murder investigation.
Days after the fire, 153 more decomposing bodies were found buried in a Buhunga village compound belonging to the sect. Then, on Friday, police discovered the first Rugazi mass grave when they came to inspect Kataribabo’s compound. Investigators found the bodies in the house after Kataribabo’s nephew, Bart Bainomukama, told them his uncle had said he was digging a pit for a refrigerator. A hole driven through the floor quickly revealed a human leg. That led to the discovery of the 81 additional corpses.
Three Other Incidents of Bible-Based Cults In Uganda
The Holy Spirit Movement—
A violent Christian cult led by “prophetess” Alice Lakwena, who led a failed uprising against the government from 1985 to 1996. Followers often died in suicidal attacks, convinced magic oil would protect them from bullets.
The Lord’s Resistance Army —
Led by Joseph Kony, its goal is to run Uganda according to the biblical Ten Commandments. It is notorious for kidnapping Children and using them and using them as soldiers and sexual slaves.
The World Message Last Warning —
This doomsday group was started by Wilson Bushara, it was disbanded by Ugandan police last September after the leaders were charged with rape, kidnapping, illegal confinement and murder.
The Future For Evangelism?
The internet is one of the fastest growing means that is reaching across man-made borders. The genuine gospel of Jesus Christ can be effectively shared in nations which do not permit evangelism. ICCDM is working towards increasing our influence in cyberspace. Will the Church lag behind in this arena too?
Discernment Ministries International 