Fear of Curses Grips Butaleja as Pastors Launch Prayer Revival

By Ambrose Wanagoli.

Religious leaders and Christians in Butaleja District have come together in a renewed spiritual campaign aimed at confronting what many residents describe as widespread curses and related misfortunes in the community.

In Banyole culture, the practice known as ehingwabo—a curse traditionally pronounced by parents or elders against relatives—has long been feared.

Many locals associate such curses with persistent hardships, including poverty, barrenness, stunted growth, and erratic behaviour.

The belief remains deeply rooted, with families often attributing personal and generational struggles to these pronouncements.

James, a resident of Busolwe Sub County who preferred to be identified by one name, shared his experience.

He claims his uncle cursed him after he declined to provide a cow for burial arrangements, and since then, he believes his life has been marked by misfortune. “Many families are struggling with curses,” he said, reflecting a concern echoed by others in the district.

On Tuesday, hundreds of Christians gathered at Butaleja Booma Playground for what has been dubbed the “Christian Revival Prayer Meeting,” organized by the Butaleja Pastors’ Fellowship.

The gathering seeks to promote spiritual renewal while directly addressing beliefs in curses, witchcraft, and other forms of evil said to be prevalent in the area.

Apostle John Kutosi of Imeres of Rapha Ministries Limited noted that belief in curses intensified in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the need for counseling alongside sustained prayer efforts to help communities overcome fear and harmful practices.

Pastor Phinehas Hasahya of Namubi Pentecostal Church highlighted what he described as widespread challenges in the district, including cursing, witchcraft, corruption, and social rivalry.

He identified Nawanjofu Sub County, Naweyo Sub County, and Himutu Sub County as some of the most affected areas, calling for urgent spiritual intervention.

He also pointed to tensions in polygamous homes, where some women reportedly turn to witchcraft in struggles for dominance, further fueling conflict within families.

According to Pastor Hasahya, previous prayer efforts have already had impact. He cited the destruction of shrines in Maliba village in Nawanjofu Sub County through what he described as spiritual intervention, claiming that many individuals have since embraced Christianity.

Organizers expect at least 500 participants to attend the week-long prayer gathering, which aims to foster unity, healing, and a shift away from harmful cultural practices.

This marks the third time religious leaders have convened at Butaleja Booma Grounds for such prayers.

In 2025, an inter-religious gathering brought together prominent leaders including Bishop Glados Olokol of Pentecostal Assembly of God Tororo and Bishop Samuel Egessa of the Anglican Church in Bukedi, among others.

At the time, they pledged to make the prayers an annual event—an ambition that now appears to be taking root as faith leaders continue their campaign for spiritual and social transformation in Butaleja.