Alebtong, Uganda | Police in Alebtong District are investigating the death of a man who collapsed after participating in an unregulated prayer ritual, as authorities warn communities against resorting to informal spiritual practices to resolve suspected criminal acts.
The deceased, Ayo Sam Kundu, 47, a resident of Ayamo Village in Barr Sub-county, Lira District, died on January 19, 2026, shortly after a prayer session held at a private home in Akura Sub-county, Alebtong District.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema said the prayers were organised following the alleged loss of a motorcycle belonging to Opio Stephen, also known as Okii, who reportedly opted for spiritual intervention instead of reporting the matter to police.
“It is alleged that prayers were conducted with the intention of spiritually identifying the suspected thief. During the process, participants were subjected to certain rituals, after which some of them developed complications,” SP Okema said.
Police say several participants became unusually drowsy after the prayers, with three people Odwar Kenneth, Omara Akato, and Ayo Sam Kundu most affected. Kundu later collapsed and died at the scene.
Officers who visited the area documented the scene and conveyed the body to Alebtong Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examination.
A case file, ALEBTONG DEF:003/2026, has been opened to guide investigations.
Police have also identified a suspect only known as Emmanuel, a resident of Kaberamaido District, whose role in the prayer ritual is still under investigation.
Preliminary inquiries suggest that the prayer ceremony was conducted openly within the community and may have been known to some local leaders, raising questions about oversight and the regulation of such practices.
SP Okema cautioned that while communities have the right to worship, practices that endanger lives or mimic witchcraft fall outside the law.
“Criminal matters should be reported to police. When communities resort to unregulated rituals, it becomes difficult to establish accountability, especially when lives are lost,” he said.
Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of death, the substances or methods used during the ritual, and the responsibility of those involved. Further updates will be issued as inquiries continue.
