By Frederick Kiwanuka

THE Kasana-Luweero Catholic Bishop has decried the widespread belief in witchcraft in Nakasongola district, describing the vice as a sign of backwardness.

The Rt. Rev. Paul Ssemwogerere said such practices are so strong in the community that many residents keep fetishes in their homes.
He recalled that after his appointment as bishop of the area, President Yoweri Museveni talked to him about the vice.

“I remember even the President warned me about the vice, and asked me how I was going to fight it,” Ssemwogerere narrated.
The bishop said because of the ungodly beliefs, many Nakasongola residents attribute all ailments, including malaria, to witchcraft.

“Even when a person gets malaria, the people will point out that the mosquitoes which infected him were sent by someone,” Ssemwogerere said.

He noted that some traditional healers were taking advantage of the widespread “ungodly beliefs” to fleece residents of their hard-earned money.

“As Christians, you should know that there is only one God. The witchdoctors are only confusing you to make money. And when you give it to them, they become rich at your expense,” he advised.

The bishop made the remarks on Saturday while presiding over a special mass in honor of the late Antonio Lwanga, who donated the land on which Mijeera Catholic Church was built.

Ssemwogerere hailed Lwanga for the noble gesture, saying it was such acts that enabled Christianity to grow.