A self-proclaimed “Jesus” in Luwero district has been remanded to Buntuntumula prison for refusing to be counted during the ongoing National Population and Housing Census 2024.

Identified as Navas Vella, the self-proclaimed Jesus who was arrested on Monday, May 13th, appeared before a magistrate court in Wobulenzi town council in Luwero district on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, where he pleaded guilty.

He was charged with obstructing the execution of lawful duty contrary to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Act, Sec. 28(3).

Navas, the King of Star Glopper Eden Church, and his follower, El Shadai Gracy, refused to be counted by enumerators, prompting an intervention by the authority.

According to Daniel Kikonyogo, the LC 1 Chairman of Katikamu Luyima Zone, Navas ran into hiding even after the enumerator, Patrick Kato, pleaded with him.

In his defense, Navas claimed that, as the Son of God, he was already counted by his heavenly Father, who sent him on earth to save his people.

He warned policemen against joking with “the Son of God” and wondered where they got the power to arrest him.

Navas was remanded to prison until May 29, 2024.

In 2016, Solomon Semakula Jonathan, a self-proclaimed ‘Jesus Christ’ from Nakaseke district, was also arrested and charged with belonging to an unlawful society, contrary to sections 56(1) and 2(a) of the Penal Code Act.

He was also charged with managing an unlawful society, contrary to Section 57 of the Penal Code Act.

He was arrested after discouraging his followers from seeking treatment from hospitals and participating in any government program.