Fact Check: Did Pastor Bugingo Sell “Holy Soda” to His Followers?

What is the Alleged “Bugingo holy soda”?

Pastor Aloysius Niyonzima Bugingo, the House of Prayer Ministries International leader in Kampala, has once again found himself at the centre of controversy. Social media erupted with claims that the pastor was selling a so-called “Holy Soda” to his congregation, allegedly priced at UGX 50,000 (about KSh 1,700) per bottle. The allegations suggested that the soda promised divine intervention, blessings, and a guaranteed heaven place.

However, an investigation has debunked these claims as false, revealing the actual events to be far less sensational.

What Really Happened?

Pastor Bugingo had organized an anniversary celebration for his media outlets, Salt Radio & TV. During the event, soda was served to attendees free of charge. Videos shared by journalist Gabriel Buule depict the pastor praying over the soda before distributing it to his followers as part of the celebration.

The narrative about “Holy Soda” was fabricated, with photos from the event being misused to create a misleading story.

What happened after the alleged news of Bugingo holy soda news?

The allegations, though false, sparked widespread criticism online. Winnie Byanyima, a prominent human rights advocate and the Executive Director of UNAIDS, was among those who voiced concerns.

“Pastor Bugingo is scamming people. Police should look into this,” Byanyima posted on X (formerly Twitter), urging authorities to take action against the alleged exploitation.

Pastor Bugingo’s History of Controversy

This incident is just the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Pastor Bugingo. In 2022, he made headlines when he entered a romantic relationship with another woman while still married to Teddy Naluswa. The resulting legal battle over bigamy led to a bitter separation and deeply strained family relationships.

Their daughter, Doreen Gift, publicly acknowledged the emotional toll of the family rift, expressing hope for reconciliation in the future.

Lessons from the Bugingo holy soda Incident

The “Holy Soda” episode highlights the rapid spread of misinformation on social media and the harm it can cause. While Pastor Bugingo’s name has been cleared in this particular case, the incident underscores the importance of verifying facts before jumping to conclusions.

For public figures and religious leaders, transparency and accountability remain critical in building and maintaining trust with their communities. Similarly, this serves as a reminder to the public to approach sensational claims with caution and scepticism in the digital age.