In a quiet Nangoma village in Matayos Sub-Count in Teso, Busia County, a woman is eliciting both devotion and debate after she declared herself the reincarnate Jesus’ mother, Mary.

The 50-year-old woman, whose official name Judith Nafula, a mother of five, claims that she received divine visitation by the Holy Spirit in form of a radiant light that pronounced her the modern-day Mary – the Mother of Jesus.

It was not immediately clear if ‘Jesus’ is among their five children.

“I was chosen by the Holy Spirit. A bright light appeared before me and I heard a voice clearly telling that I am Mary and my husband is Joseph,” said Nafula.

Her husband, John Wekulo, has doubled down her claims, saying he too was declared 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 five 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 garment that 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. The visitors reportedly come from as far as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and even Congo to marvel at the divine powers of the self-proclaimed Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Judith’s sister-in-law, Everlyne Ouma, attests to her healing powers with a couple that was unable to have children, but now is now fertile and have children after Mama Maria’s prayers.

“There was a couple that had struggled for years to have a child without success. After praying with Mama Maria, the woman conceived and later gave birth. We believe it was God working through her,” Everlyne says.

However, not all reactions have been divine because Nafula was once an active member of Lwanya Catholic Parish before she was excommunicated by the parish priest due to her persistent claims of divine miracles. Her divine powers were deemed disruptive to the church’s order.

Despite this, the phenomenon continues. Crowds now gather every day, singing hymns and awaiting her prayers with locals saying the scene is a blend 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,” Agnes Nanjala, a resident of Matayos, says.

While religious leaders in the region are yet to issue an official statement, community elders and residents are divided in opinion with some deeply convinced that Nafula exercises divine powers, but others are deeply sceptical.

Judith Nafula’s reputation as Mama Mary continues to make headlines and amaze believers, whether be it as a prophetess or by doubters.

Subsequently, Matayos has developed into a spiritual hotspot where humour, mystery and faith blend in equal proportions. The new development comes at time the government has moved to enact laws to govern the operation of churches in the country.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Absalom Namwalo and Owen Mutai

‘Mama Maria’ leading service in her church.