In a quiet Nangoma village in Matayos Sub-County, in Teso, Busia County, a woman has stirred both devotion and debate by declaring herself the reincarnated Mary, mother of Jesus Christ and that her husband is Joseph.
The 50-year-old woman, whose official name is Judith Nafula, a mother of five, claims that she received divine visions whereby the Holy Spirit, in the form of a radiant light, pronounced her the modern-day Mary, mother of Jesus.
“I was chosen by the Holy Spirit. A bright light appeared before me and I heard a voice clearly saying to me that I am Mary, and my husband is Joseph,” said Nafula.
Her husband, John Wekulo, has doubled down on her claims, saying he too was declared to be Joseph by divine revelation.
“Since that day, my wife moved out of our bedroom and began living in the sitting room, as per divine instruction,” said Wekulo.
After the calling, the “Holy Spirit” instructed them to fast for two months, after which they were barred from taking holy communion for 5 years.
“After my calling, strange things kept on happening to me. I was instructed to fast for two months, after which God gave me a special cloth which I wear to date,” she narrated.
The couple’s home has since transformed into what some are calling the Bethlehem of Busia, attracting hundreds of visitors seeking miracles, healing, and divine encounters.
Visitors reportedly come from as far as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and even Congo just to witness the self-proclaimed Mary, mother of Jesus.
Judith’s sister-in-law, Everlyne Ouma, attests to her healing capabilities by recounting an incident where a certain couple were unable to bear children but after praying with “Mama Maria”, they later on had children.
“There was a couple that had struggled for years without a child. After praying with Mama Maria, the woman conceived and later gave birth. We believe it was God working through her,” said Everlyne.
However, not all reactions have been divine because Nafula was once an active member of Lwanya Catholic Parish before being excommunicated by the parish priest due to her persistent claims of miraculous powers and public hearings, which were deemed disruptive to the church’s order.
Despite this, the phenomenon continues to grow. Crowds now gather every day, singing hymns and awaiting her prayers, with locals saying that the scene is a mix of prayer and drama.
“I didn’t believe it at first. It’s like a spiritual crusade mixed with a village soap opera. One minute people are singing hymns; the next they’re rolling on the ground and rising up, saying they were healed. I had to come see for myself,” said Agnes Nanjala, a resident of Matayos.
While religious leaders in the region are yet to issue an official statement, community elders and residents remain divided, with some deeply convinced, whereas others are sceptical.
Judith Nafula, currently dubbed as “Mama Mary”, continues to make headlines and touch hearts whether she is praised as a prophetess or questioned by doubters.
Subsequently, Matayos has developed into a spiritual hotspot where humour, mystery, and faith blend in holy proportions.
The new development comes at a time the government has moved to enact laws to govern the operation of churches in the country.
By Absalom Namwalo and Owen Mutai
