Dokolo, Uganda – The Archdeacon of Dokolo Urban Archdeaconry, Rev. Ven. Captain Julius Otuke, has warned Christians against the practice of burying the dead with spiritual objects, saying it invites evil spirits that torment families.
Speaking to Dokolo Post reporter on Tuesday, Rev. Otuke revealed that this practice is common in communities where he conducts healing and deliverance services.
Many people believe burying the deceased with such objects prevents witches from exhuming their loved ones.
On Monday, March 10, 2025, Rev. Otuke and his team exhumed a body in Apala village, Adagmon parish, Dokolo sub-county, which had been buried for 39 years.
According to him, the deceased’s spirit had been disturbing the family, causing mental problems among relatives.
During the exhumation, they found several spiritual objects, including a golden tin, a statue, a rainbow-colored tin, a cigarette stick and a bag containing coins.
Rev. Otuke said his team prayed over the items to break the spiritual forces believed to have troubled the family for decades.
He urged religious leaders to thoroughly inspect coffins before burial to prevent such spiritual disturbances.
Wilbert Otim, a family member, confirmed that the family had suffered for years due to spiritual attacks but expressed hope for relief after the deliverance prayers.
Common spiritual objects buried with the dead include bottles, money, salt, spears, tobacco, needles, and cigarette sticks, believed to protect graves from witchcraft.
