Police in Kibuku District, eastern Uganda, have arrested a family of seven members who were filmed flogging a teenage girl for reportedly attending a church fellowship.

In the video that went viral on social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), two men are seen pinning the girl on the ground as other family members mercilessly flog her.

They are heard rebuking the girl, who has since been identified as 18-year-old Shakira Naula, for attending prayers at a Pentecostal church (Kadama Prayer Convention Church presided over by Pastor Nicholas Kitibwa).

Confirming the incident, North Bukedi Regional Police Spokesperson Samuel Semewo says the 38-year-old pastor made an assault report at Kibuku Police Station.

The police spokesperson says the girl was lashed 100 canes by her family.

Those who have been arrested include; Yusuf Nantege (28), Mohammad Wapesa (24), Jaberi Lumans (25), Uthuman Koosi (25), Issa Wasereye (24), Ziyadi Musenero (29).

The mother of the girl travelled to Saudi Arabia for domestic work, and left her in custody of one of those who have been arrested.

“Naula had allegedly continued going to the nearby church for prayers against her guardians’ wish… She had attended an overnight prayer at the church and when her uncles went to pick her up the following morning, the pastor asked them to leave because she was leading the church choir in praise and worship,” Semewo says.

He adds: “When she finally went home, she found them waiting. They pounced on her with lashes. Each gave her five to 10 lashes in turn. This is very unfortunate and disturbing.”

The appalling video elicited a public outcry in Uganda, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

At the age of 18, the Ugandan Constitution acknowledges someone to be an adult, and therefore enjoys the right to freedom of worship and associate freely.