Renowned Ugandan gospel artist Joseph Ngoma has faced criticism for accepting money gifted by traditional healer Sophia Namutebi, known as Mama Fiina.
During a recent David Lutalo concert, Mama Fiina generously distributed cash to several performers, including Ngoma. Photos show Ngoma smiling as he received money from her.
However, Denis Lanek, who describes himself as head of the Ugandan Gospel Singers Association, publicly condemned Ngoma’s action. He characterized the cash as “dirty money” inappropriate for a man of God to handle.
Lanek urged Ngoma to return the funds, arguing it was wrong for a spiritual figure like him to benefit financially from a traditional healer.
When asked about the complaint, Ngoma stated the money had already been spent, rendering returns impossible.
This incident raises ethical questions. Some see traditional healers’ work as incompatible with Christianity, creating a conflict accepting related proceeds. Others view this as intolerance, so long as no malpractice contributed directly.
With faith and culture often entwined in Uganda, reasonable perspectives differ on this type of exchange between spiritual domains.