By AGGREY BULUBA
In a move that has left the nation in shock and sparked an uproar online, controversial pastor Aloysius Bugingo of Makerere’s House of Prayer Ministries International has unveiled his latest claim to fame—a miraculous “holy soda” that he alleges guarantees not only blessings on earth but a direct ticket to heaven.
Priced at a staggering UGX 50,000 (approximately USD 14.12) per bottle, the pastor has boldly challenged his congregation to partake in this sacred beverage if they truly desire eternal salvation and financial prosperity. “Drink this soda, and your business will thrive, your bank account will multiply, and your place in heaven will be reserved,” Bugingo declared during a spirited Sunday service.
The “Miracle in a Bottle”
Images of Bugingo and his church leaders praying over cartons of this “holy soda” have since gone viral, igniting outrage and disbelief. Marketed as a divine tool, the soda is touted as the solution to all problems, from overcoming earthly struggles to securing a spot among the angels.
The pastor’s claims have been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing him of exploiting vulnerable believers for financial gain. Renowned human rights advocate and UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has taken a firm stance, calling for immediate government intervention.
“Pastor Bugingo is scamming people. Police should look into this,” Byanyima posted on social media, amplifying calls for action against what critics describe as a brazen exploitation of faith.
Faith or Fraud?
The launch of the “holy soda” has reignited heated debates about the commercialization of religion in Uganda. Many are questioning the lengths to which religious leaders will go to manipulate their congregants under the guise of divine revelation.
“This is spiritual robbery! How can anyone claim that heaven is bottled and sold for 50,000 shillings?” one critic exclaimed. Another remarked, “This isn’t faith; it’s a well-packaged scam targeting the poor and vulnerable.”
The uproar underscores a deeper issue: the growing desperation among believers who cling to such promises in the hope of escaping their struggles. Critics warn that this manipulation not only drains congregants’ pockets but also erodes the integrity of religion itself.
Calls for action are growing louder, with many demanding that police investigate Bugingo’s claims and take steps to protect vulnerable congregants from exploitation. Ugandans are also calling for stricter regulation of religious activities to curb the unchecked commercialization of faith. “Religion should be about salvation, not sales!” one commentator declared.
For those attending Bugingo’s church, the message is clear: think twice before opening your wallet—and your soul—to promises that sound too good to be true. Faith cannot be bottled, and heaven cannot be bought.
As the “holy soda” saga continues to unfold, Uganda waits to see whether the government will intervene or allow this spiritual spectacle to persist. Critics, meanwhile, are urging congregants to safeguard their futures, finances, and faith before it’s too late. After all, heaven doesn’t come with a price tag.
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