BWANIKA JOSEPH: Why questioning False Prophecies is framed as questioning God Himself?

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion piece by Bwanika Joseph arguing that some self-styled prophets and “miracle performers” in sub-Saharan Africa are exploiting economic hardship and religious trust. The article says these figures promise supernatural solutions to poverty, illness and debt while encouraging followers to give money through offerings, consultation fees and “seed-sowing” practices.

The writer links the growth of such ministries to broader conditions including inflation, unemployment and inequality, saying people under financial stress may be more vulnerable to claims of instant relief. He also criticizes alleged “miracle money” promises and contends that if prophets could truly create wealth, they would not need constant financial support from worshippers.

The piece says the alleged practices can damage households by encouraging believers to blame relatives for misfortune, surrender property or savings, or abandon medical treatment in favor of prayer-based cures. It also argues that when promises fail, responsibility is shifted back onto followers by claiming they lacked enough faith or did not give enough.

The article specifically mentions public debate around attacks on Frank Gashumba, portraying him as someone who called for protection of vulnerable believers. As written, the column is a commentary on religious exploitation rather than a report of a single new event, and it does not present independently verified evidence for the claims it discusses.