Police in Gulu are holding seven people for allegedly operating a cult at Kati Kati village, Lacor Parish, in Amuru District.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday afternoon after they were found praying naked.
Gulu Central Police station Community Liaison Officer David Kilama said the suspects belong to the Lacwec Church, which means The Creator's Church. "The people in this village complained to us that there are some people practicing a religion they do not understand. They asked us to rescue them. We went and arrested them," he said.
Mr Kilama said when police arrived at the church, the cult members starting pouring water mixed with shear nut oil on them to keep them away.
They allegedly said the powers of their gods would force the police officers to go back, adding that their sprits have the power to stop the police cars from moving and that their guns would not fire. He identified the cult leader as Francis Opany, whom the members reportedly refer to as bishop.
Mr Kilama said the cult leaders had been convincing residents not go to Gulu Hospital for treatment, claiming that they have the power to heal all sicknesses. But when Daily Monitor visited the police station, two of the cult members were sick and could not walk. They were taken to Gulu Referral Hospital for treatment.
Mr Kilama said they are still investigating reports that one member of the cult had died. The cult claim they use the water, mixed with shear nut oil to chase way demons from people who are possessed and to heal any kind of illnesses.
Ms Grace Akumu, 31, a member of the cult who is suffering from back pain, said she joined the group after a friend told her the cult leaders were capable of healing her. Another member, 41-year-old Mary Lamwaka, who complained of body ache, said she also joined the cult to search for healing.
"I have been having this pain for a very long time. I have used medicine from the hospital but it has not cured my illness. I even tried local herbs but it did not work for me so I decided to go the bishop Opany for help," she said in a sadden tone.
