By Nathan Eyagu 

Serere District - A prayer session meant to bring healing turned tragic on Christmas Eve, leaving a respected pastor dead and a community grappling with shock.  

Pastor John Michael Ekamu, 52, of Agure Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Ocuko Village, was reportedly attacked during prayers meant to deliver a man believed to be possessed by demons. The man, identified as 30-year-old Osagani, allegedly became violent and struck the pastor, leading to a chain of events that ended in his death.  

According to a statement by East Kyoga Regional Police Commander (RPC) Damalie Nachuha, the incident began on the night of December 24, 2024, when Osagani was brought to the church by his father, Simon Ogwanga. Having just returned from Kampala, Osagani was said to be under spiritual attack, and his father sought divine intervention.  

During the intense prayer session, Osagani allegedly kicked Pastor Ekamu, causing him to fall. Despite the assault, the prayers continued, and the suspect, pastor, and a few worshippers stayed overnight in the church.  

The following morning, as Pastor Ekamu conducted the Christmas Day service, he collapsed on the pulpit. Congregants rushed to help him, urging him to seek medical attention, but the pastor reportedly declined, saying, “The devil has been defeated.”  

However, his condition worsened, and he was eventually taken to Serere Health Center IV. Medical tests revealed internal injuries, including cuts to his pancreas. He was taken into surgery at around 3:00 PM but tragically passed away.  

The police have since launched an investigation into the incident, registering it as a case of suspected murder by assault under DEF 005/2024 at Serere Central Police Station.  

“We are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragedy. The deceased’s body has been taken to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem to determine the exact cause of death,” said RPC Damalie Nachuha.