Renowned Ugandan band singer Mesach Semakula recently opened up about a painful chapter from his past, the deep resentment he once harbored toward Born-Again Christian leaders.
While performing at Pastor Wilson Bugembe’s 20th anniversary celebration, Semakula revealed the root of that resentment: the spiritual manipulation he believes led to his mother’s death.
He shared how his mother, heavily influenced by certain religious leaders, was made to fear hospitals and medical treatment.
“I used to hate most Born-Again faith leaders because of the lies they fed my mother,they convinced her that the blood samples taken at hospitals were being used in witchcraft, and that secular musicians made sacrifices to gain fame. She stopped trusting doctors.”Semakula said.
Tragically, this manipulation had fatal consequences. On the night she passed away, she was suffering from serious health issues including diabetes, ulcers, and high blood pressure but instead of seeking medical help, she stayed on the phone all night in prayer with church leaders.
“She was told that demons had been cast out of her,but as soon as the prayer ended, she took her last breath.”Semakula recalled.
The loss left Semakula with deep anger and mistrust toward Born-Again preachers including Pastor Bugembe, whose calls he deliberately ignored. However, over time, Bugembe’s persistence and kindness broke through that wall of hurt.
“Pastor Bugembe didn’t give up on me. Even when I shut him out, he kept showing love,through him, I came to understand that not all preachers are the same. There are bad ones, but also genuine ones like him.”Semakula said.
He concluded with a heartfelt message, urging people not to neglect medical treatment because of spiritual beliefs.
“If you’re sick, take your medication,then, kneel and pray. Faith and medicine can go hand in hand.”,he advised.
