Police in Uganda apprehended a pastor and two of her associates for illegally harboring 18 people in their rented house in Nakuwadde Village, Bulenga, Wakiso District, to "praise and worship."

According to reports, Pastor Jackline Kisoma, her partner Daniel Kisoma, and 48-year-old Edward Giita were keeping the 18 in deplorable conditions, not allowing them to leave or seek medical attention if they became ill.

“They instead spent the whole day and night, praising, worshiping and having Bible lessons,” said the police speaking to Daily Monitor.

According to the police, Pastor Kisoma manipulated the victims into dropping out of school and joining her sect, "claiming education was useless."

"The home also served as a worship center for the trio’s unregistered religious cult,” said the police adding that the three suspects also withdrew their eight children from school. 

A probe was launched after the mother of Martha Adulu, 21, went to visit her at St Francis Nursing School only to discover that she had left two months before.

A joint operation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Department resulted in the discovery and rescue of the victims, including Adulu.

“Ms Adulu was tracked down to Nakuwadde Village where her three other nursing school colleagues Amina Nakiganda Kwagala, 23, Angel Nampera, 19, and Favor Nagita, 18, were recovered," said the

Other four students from St Francis Nursing School in Namataba-Mukono District, who were forced to leave school were also found.

It was also discovered that Edward Giita's wife and his three children were among those detained.

Five children belonging to Pastor Kisoma, all aged below 12 years, were also found.

“This is the plight that many victims in religious cults face. They see the leaders as a God-like figure whom they fear to go against," said police.

A majority of the victims are undergoing counseling and rehabilitation " to prove or disprove any acts of sexual violence." 

Meanwhile, the accused face human trafficking and unlawful confinement charges as they await guidance from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.