KAMPALA, UGANDA — Pastor Aloysius Bugingo, founder of House of Prayer Ministries International, has publicly accused his ex-wife, Teddy Naluswa, of preventing him from seeing their children.
“I’m not a criminal; I have never broken any laws, but the enemy attacked me,” Bugingo lamented. “Do you know what it means to spend so many years without seeing your children? What lies could they be feeding them all this time that they are keeping me away?”
The couple’s highly publicized breakup in 2019 led to a strained relationship with their older daughters, exacerbated by Bugingo’s disparaging remarks about Teddy at the time.
Bugingo and Teddy married in the early 1990s and had four children together: three daughters, Doreen Gift, Winnie, and Jenifer Bugingo, and one son, Miracle Bugingo. Despite their differences, they remained together until their separation.
However, their marital conflicts became national news in Uganda, with Teddy eventually stopping church attendance. Bugingo accused her and their daughter Doreen of working against his ministry, claiming Teddy demanded a share of church land in exchange for a divorce.
In 2019, Bugingo faced criticism from fellow preachers and the public for publicly insulting Teddy and disclosing their marriage secrets. Teddy subsequently launched her own church, Word of Salvation Ministries International.
Bugingo’s decision to marry Susan Makula shortly after the separation further angered his children, causing a significant rift.
Now, five years later, Bugingo seeks reconciliation with his children. His actions have sparked heated debates within Uganda’s religious community, highlighting the challenges of navigating personal relationships in the public eye.
The pastor’s remarks have raised concerns about the welfare and potential emotional impact on the children. The situation remains complex, with many questioning Bugingo’s motivations.
