Congregants and followers of Bethel Healing Ministries in Kitende, Kampala, were thrown into panic and shock on Sunday, July 26, 2026, when their lead pastor and founder, Irene Manjeri, collapsed mid-sermon. The 56-year-old popular televangelist was delivering a powerful message during the main Sunday service when she suddenly appeared to struggle, leading to her unexpected collapse. Church ushers and ministry officials rushed to the pulpit, bringing an abrupt end to the service as emergency medical care was sought.
"Let Me Rest": Preacher’s Final Words Before Collapsing
According to eye-witness accounts and video footage that circulated on social media shortly after the incident, Pastor Manjeri was in the middle of preaching when she started experiencing difficulties with her speech. She halted her sermon, looked visibly exhausted, and addressed the congregation in a low, strained voice. *"Let me rest. Let me go home and sleep. Bye. Bye,"* she said, in what many at first assumed was a lighthearted remark about her workload.
However, as she attempted to step away from the pulpit and walk towards the back of the stage, she lost her balance. Before the ushers could reach her, Pastor Manjeri fell to the floor, losing consciousness. The live broadcast of the church service was immediately cut off as panic ensued inside the main church hall, with church members bursting into loud prayers and tears.
Rushed to Urgent Medical Care
Pastor Manjeri was quickly carried off the pulpit by church security and senior ministry members. She was rushed to a private medical facility in the Entebbe Road vicinity for urgent evaluation and treatment. Relatives and close associates of the preacher confirmed that she had been complaining of fatigue and headaches earlier in the week, but had insisted on conducting the Sunday service as scheduled.
As of late Monday, neither Bethel Healing Ministries nor the family of Pastor Manjeri had released an official medical report or a statement regarding the specific cause of her collapse. Inside sources, however, suggest that she is currently stable and undergoing comprehensive medical check-ups to rule out any severe cardiovascular or neurological issues. Church leaders have urged followers to remain calm and join them in prayers for her quick recovery.
A Rigorous Ministry Schedule Takes Its Toll
Pastor Irene Manjeri is one of the most active and popular female preachers in Uganda, known for her charismatic sermons, healing crusades, and strong social media presence. In recent months, she has been running a demanding schedule, hosting daily healing services, regional crusades, and managing various charity programs under her ministry. Friends and fellow pastors have repeatedly advised the preacher to scale back her physical engagements, pointing out that the demands of running a large ministry can easily lead to physical exhaustion and burnout.
Her collapse has sparked discussions within Kampala’s religious circles about the heavy workloads carried by ministry leaders. Many congregants have taken to social media, posting messages of encouragement under the hashtag #PrayForPastorManjeri, expressing hope that she will recover and return to the pulpit soon.
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