Kampala, Uganda — A prominent city pastor is at the center of a shocking financial scandal after being accused of embezzling over UGX 380 million from his church and splashing it on sports betting.
Pastor Elijah Mwesigwa, head of Divine Restoration Ministries in Kampala, was arrested on Wednesday after a months-long investigation revealed that church funds meant for charity, construction, and outreach programs were being funneled into gambling platforms.
According to the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Pastor Mwesigwa secretly withdrew large sums from the ministry’s accounts over the course of nine months. He allegedly used mobile money agents and online betting platforms to place massive bets on football matches across Europe and Asia.
“The pastor diverted UGX 380 million meant for the Lord’s work and used it to chase after football outcomes,” said Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango. “It’s a grave breach of trust and an abuse of spiritual authority.”
The congregation was reportedly blindsided by the revelations. Church elders had become suspicious after several promised projects, including a church clinic and youth empowerment center, stalled without explanation. Financial records later showed a disturbing trail of withdrawals and suspicious transactions.
In court on Thursday, Pastor Mwesigwa appeared visibly shaken as charges of embezzlement, fraud, and abuse of office were read out. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to Luzira Prison until his bail hearing next week.
Sources close to the investigation say the pastor believed he could “double the Lord’s money” through betting wins and repay the accounts—a gamble that ultimately failed. He is reported to have lost the entire amount without winning any substantial returns.
The scandal has sent shockwaves throughout Uganda’s Christian community, with many calling for greater financial transparency in churches and tighter regulation on how religious institutions manage donor funds.
“This is not just a betrayal of the church. It’s a betrayal of faith,” said Sarah Nalubega, a longtime church member. “People gave their last coin in offerings and tithes, believing it was for God’s work—not football matches.”
The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) has joined the probe to determine if other churches or organizations might be misusing funds under similar pretenses.
As investigations continue, many Ugandans are reflecting on the dangers of unregulated church finances and the growing impact of gambling addiction—even within the pulpit.
