The Effect of Bushala Cult Beliefs about Human Life on the Livelihood of Believers in Nakaseke District.

Abstract

MPEMBE LUWAGGA SEGUYA JAMES (2012/MO92/20052) The Effect of Bushala Cult Beliefs about Human Life on the Livelihood of Believers in Nakaseke District. The study examined the effect of Bushala cult beliefs about human life on the livelihood of believers in Nakaseke district. The study had three specific research objectives which were; to find out the cult practices in place that influence human life at Bushala cult community, to find out the effect of cult beliefs on the livelihoods of community members in Bushara cult community and the perceptions of community members on the Bushara cult community in Kikamulo sub-county Nakaseke district. It is from these objectives that research questions were generated to guide the study. The study utilised cross-sectional survey design that used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study was carried out from Bushara cult church community, Nakaseke district, Kikamulo sub-county. The study population that was involved in the study included church leaders, cult members, sub-county local government leaders and community elders. Data was collected using questionnaires in a five likert format that were self-administered, qualitative data was collected using interview guides. Quantitative data was analysed to obtain frequencies and percentages whereas qualitative data was analysed to obtain quotations and thematic statements in content analysis process. In the findings, it was revealed that cult members are restricted from doing many things by their leadership like foods, marriage and this largely influences their human life and livelihoods, followers believe in dooms day as they believe the world is about to end, followers practice worshiping the leader as their god, perform sacrifices, cult must follow the symbols and practices, leaders have a practice of foretelling the future to their followers and this threatens followers into fanatically following the preaching. Also it was revealed that cult beliefs have affected their way of life since members are told not to educate their children, followers believe in experiences as a way of healing as a way of meeting their daily needs, followers are told to selloff their land so as to book space in heaven, many followers don‟t go for health care and this affects their livelihoods. In the study, it was also revealed that community members have a perception that this sect has diverted from the true God and are worshiping human beings rather than a true God, they believe leaders of the cult have their own agenda, community members believe that this group deceives, manipulates, and exploits their members to keep them for as long. It was, therefore, concluded that Bushala cult community has a number of practices that are honoured by cult members; cult practices have had a great negative impact on the livelihoods of followers since they have sold off all their property and handed the proceeds to the leaders to secure them places in heaven. This has left many poor and economically impended, Community members have a negative attitude towards the cult as many believe they came to fulfil their own agenda and enrich themselves. It was, therefore, recommended that sensitize community members on the dangers of the cult belief, ensure education of all children and health of people, evaluate and suspend such activities. Key Words: Bushala Cult Beliefs, Livelihood, Believers, Nakaseke District