Winnie Byanyima wants Police to probe Pastor Bugingo over ‘Holy Soda’

Renowned human rights advocate and UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has called on the police to investigate Pastor Aloysius Niyonzima Bugingo of the Makerere-based House of Prayer Ministries International.

Byanyima made the appeal via a social media post on Monday morning, accusing the pastor of exploiting his congregants.

“Pastor Bugingo is scamming people. Police should look into this,” Byanyima wrote, reacting to reports that the controversial pastor had introduced a new product, "holy soda," which he claims holds divine benefits.

Holy Soda Claims Spark Controversy

Pastor Bugingo, who is no stranger to public scrutiny, reportedly launched the “holy soda” during a Sunday service.

Priced at UGX 50,000 per bottle, the soda is marketed as a divine tool for achieving heavenly blessings and material success.

Read: Pastor Bugingo urged to take break from pulpit

Pastor Bugingo prays for the cartons of sodas pulse uganda

According to the pastor, consuming the soda not only guarantees space in heaven but also promises to multiply business profits and bring earthly prosperity.

Images that have since gone viral show Bugingo, flanked by his church leaders, praying over dozens of cartons of the bottled soda.

The images have sparked a wave of criticism online, with many questioning the morality and legality of such claims. Critics have accused the pastor of preying on the desperation and faith of his followers for personal gain.

Also read: Ageing Museveni not in charge anymore but family and cronies - Winnie Byanyima

Byanyima Calls for Accountability

Winnie Byanyima’s call for police intervention has been widely supported on social media, with many echoing her concerns about the need to protect vulnerable congregants from exploitation.

Byanyima, who has long championed transparency and accountability, labelled the practice as a scam and urged the authorities to take action.

Winnie-Byanyima Pulse Live Uganda

Her comments come amid growing public outcry over the commercialization of religious activities in Uganda.

Some critics have accused Bugingo of undermining the sanctity of religion by monetizing faith-based practices and manipulating his followers.

The "holy soda" saga has reignited calls for greater regulation of religious practices in Uganda.

While many argue that religious freedom should be upheld, others insist that authorities must step in when congregants are exploited under the guise of faith.