In the year 2000, Uganda witnessed one of the most horrifying cult tragedies in African history— the Kanungu Massacre. Over 700 followers of a doomsday cult known as the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God perished under disturbing circumstances that shocked the world. What really transpired?

The Movement for Restoration of the Ten Commandments was founded in the 1980s by a former Catholic layperson named Joseph Kibweteere and a self- proclaimed visionary named Credonia Mwerinde. The duo convinced their followers that the world would end on 1st January 2000. When this apocalyptic prophecy failed, unrest grew within the sect.

In bid to suppress dissent, the leaders orchestrated a deadly plan. On 17th March 2000, over 500 followers were locked inside a church building in Kanungu district whicj is located in western Uganda. The building was then set ablaze in what was initially believed to be a mass suicide but was later confirmed as a premeditated mass murder. The victims who included children were doused in petrol and burned alive while singing and praying.

As investigations progressed, police discovered mass graves at other properties owned by the cult in districts such as Rukungiri and Bushenyi. In one location, over 150 decomposing bodies were found with some having clear signs of poisoning or blunt force trauma. By the time authorities wrapped up the search, the death toll had exceeded 700.