The remarks were made on August 7, 2026, during a sermon delivered by Apostle Gitwaza to Christians. An excerpt from the teaching began circulating widely on social media in recent days, drawing criticism from various people.

In the clip, Gitwaza tells Christians to be cautious about the first person to hold a newborn, claiming that witches could use nurses and midwives to affect a child's reproductive health.

“If you give birth to a boy or a girl, be careful about the first person you do not know who takes the baby. The spirit of witchcraft is in many nurses and midwives; Satan uses them there. Who were the ones killing the Israelites? It was the midwives,” he is heard saying.

He goes on to claim that children could suffer reproductive harm shortly after birth, alleging that boys could have their sperm “taken away” while girls could have their “eggs” removed, which he said would affect their ability to have children later in life.

“If you have a baby boy and realize he has impregnated someone, be concerned but also rejoice that he is active. Many are targeted there when they are born. A girl may grow up without eggs. So pray for pregnant women, and even when children grow up, be careful about sending them to sleep in places you do not know. At night, they go and use them as sacrifices. Do not let your child sleep in a place you do not know again,” he said.

Zion Temple apologises

In a statement issued on October 7, 2026, Zion Temple Celebration Center said it had become aware that excerpts from the teaching were circulating on social media and acknowledged that the remarks had hurt nurses and midwives.

“We became aware that statements contained in the clip were understood by members of the public, particularly nurses and midwives, as disrespectful and as undermining their profession and the important role they play in the health and wellbeing of our society,” the church said.

The church said there had been no intention to discredit nurses, midwives or any other profession.

“We recognise, however, that the words used caused hurt and concern. For this, we sincerely apologise to nurses and midwives and to all those who were affected by the message,” it said.

Zion Temple said it highly values nurses and midwives and appreciates their dedication, professionalism and contribution to saving lives, caring for families and improving the wellbeing of communities.

The church also said it had held discussions with representatives of the nurses and midwives association to express its regret and explore ways to strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the two sides.

It said the discussions were constructive, with both sides agreeing to continue strengthening cooperation and public trust in nurses and midwives.