Uganda's Traditional Healers to Register Nationwide to Root Out Criminals

The Traditional Healers in Uganda Association is launching a comprehensive registration and identification exercise across the country. The primary goal is to separate authentic traditional healers from individuals who have allegedly misused the practice to commit crimes, thereby safeguarding the integrity of traditional healing.

Nalongo Nansamba Mutongole, the President of Traditional Healers in Uganda, stated that this initiative is crucial for identifying rogue practitioners and curbing criminal activities that tarnish the image of genuine healers. She emphasized that elements masquerading as traditional healers are exploiting their position for nefarious purposes, and the registration will help weed them out.

During a meeting with members of the Namutumba District Traditional Healers SACCO, Mutongole called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of any traditional healer involved in criminal acts, including sexual assault. She also announced plans to inspect shrines within the Namutumba District to ensure compliance with ethical practices and to investigate alleged illicit activities.

Reports linking some traditional healers to child sacrifice, unexplained deaths, and sexual abuse have persisted. Mutongole urged all practitioners to distance themselves from such vices and work collaboratively to maintain a clean image for traditional medicine.

District officials, however, expressed ongoing concerns, with Deputy Resident District Commissioner Paul Waiswa noting that calls for stronger regulation have been ongoing for years. He highlighted issues such as practitioners making unsubstantiated claims of supernatural powers and wealth creation on radio, and allegations of human remains being used in rituals.

Prince Kisigenyi Yololim, Chief of Busiki Chiefdom, pledged his support for the registration drive and vowed to personally oversee the inspection of shrines and the registration of practitioners in his district. He also cautioned against healers who instruct followers to undertake dangerous fasting rituals, identifying such individuals as fake healers with malicious intent.

Despite the concerns, some traditional healers have refuted accusations of child sacrifice and sexual assault, attributing them to efforts to damage their reputation. They highlighted improved leadership and monitoring systems within the sector, asserting that individuals involved in criminal activities have been removed.

The healers also appealed for greater government support, noting their exclusion from development programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga. They suggested that government aid should be channeled through organized groups like SACCOs to ensure effective distribution.

This nationwide registration initiative aims to bring order and accountability to the traditional healing sector in Uganda. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/traditional-healers-order-nationwide-registration-to-weed-out-quacks-5552290