A religion from Japan is spreading

KAMPALA, Uganda - A religion with origins in Japan is quickly winning converts in Uganda, alarming Christian clerics.
  
Happy Science advertises itself as a religion whose mission is to create a world filled with love, peace, harmony and prosperity.
  
An estimated 10,000 Ugandans attended a lecture last month given by the religion's Japanese founder, who claims to be divine.
  
Ugandan Pentecostal pastor Martin Ssempa says, "People who claim to be God are either impersonators or comedians."
  
But some aspects of Happy Science resemble charismatic Christianity. Happy Science teaches that miracles do happen, that demons can be chased away, and that individual success and peace can be achieved in return for deep faith. Officials said Happy Science has about 12 million members spread in more than 90 countries, including the U.S.
  
Happy Science officials hope to use Uganda, a heavily Christian country, as a springboard for success across Africa.