Police in Tororo District on Wednesday 15th November 2023 arrested and detained prophet Gorwell Emanu of Amanu Ministries international over illegal possession of a firearm and 31 rounds of Ammunition. Residents of Oriyoi village in Morukatipe Sub-County, Tororo District were shocked to discover that deadly weapons were being kept at the home of one of their own, a pastor after police search at his home. Also recovered from the home of the head and founder of Emanu Ministries International, were several tear gas canisters, an unknown quantity of opium seeds, and paraphernalia used for rituals.
The search commanded by District Police Commander Adam Kimuli, comes after Emanu reportedly let loose a monkey he has allegedly been keeping at his home as a pet. The monkey went on a rampage, biting pupils of Oriyoi Primary School and Tororo Education Center, besides causing havoc in the neighbouring community.
The monkey has reportedly severely injured over 10 children and killed several goats within the community, but Emanu ignored community concerns for him to tether the monkey while also ignoring Police summons over the roaming wild animal.
The cruelty of the monkey had forced the school administrations to prematurely close the school to safeguard the children.
Also, during the search, the Police discovered a tunnel underneath Emanu’s house which he claimed the family uses for fasting.
Police also recovered new motorcycle and vehicle number plates as well as a bag containing underwear, a vest, a mobile phone, and shoes inside a bag that had been kept under banana stems.
The search that attracted a huge gathering from 11.00 am up to 6.00 pm saw people forced to cover their noses as an unbearable stench from carcasses of rotting animals scattered in the backyard of the compound hung in the air. It is suspected that the animals are used for ritual sacrifice.
The Police said the suspect will be charged with illegal possession of government stores. One of the vehicles found on Emanu’s compound whose particulars are not captured in the Uganda Revenue Authority vehicle database was impounded.
Aliziki Wasagali, a Uganda Wildlife Authority enforcement officer for the Mt Elgon zone, said the authority will prefer charges of illegal possession of wild animals which is contrary to the Uganda Wildlife Act.
She said under normal circumstances, all individuals in possession of wild animals must seek certification from the Uganda Wildlife Authority which Emanu didn’t do.
Surprisingly during the search process, the monkey resurfaced from its hideout and bit two children in the presence of the Police.
Emanu denied rearing a monkey in his home but rather said his home is friendly to animals both domestic and wild since he has planted several fruit trees.
George Alfred Obore, the chairman of Oriyoi Primary School’s management committee, said Emanu had become a big problem to the community, allegedly threatening people with claims that he is attached to some generals in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. John Emoru, the NRM chairperson for Morukatipe Sub-County, said Emanu has allegedly instilled fear in the community and threatened people with firearms.