Traditional herbalists ask for inclusion on Inter-Religious Council

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Traditional herbalists and spiritualists have petitioned the government to recognise them as a formal faith body and include them on the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, arguing that they represent the country’s pioneer religion and have large followings.

The appeal was made by Ssenkulu Kasiko Mutasa, the leader of the Abeerufu Traditional Healers and Herbalists Association, during a two-day annual spiritual retreat that ended on Sunday (November 30) held on Jaguzi Island in Mayuge district. The retreat attracted more than 1,000 participants from across the country.

Mutasa said the continued exclusion of traditional spiritual leaders from the national inter-religious platform is unfair and discriminatory, noting that they serve thousands of Ugandans who rely on traditional medicine and spiritual guidance for healing, counselling and cultural support.

He asked President Yoweri Museveni to urgently consider their request, arguing that traditional practitioners are being left out of national planning as a faith group, denied representation and prevented from benefiting from various programmes.

The retreat brought together traditional healers, spiritualists, shrine custodians, traditional birth attendants, cultural elders and followers from Busoga, Buganda, Teso, Bukedi, Bunyoro, Acholi and West Nile.

“We have followers just like any other religious group. We counsel people, we pray for them, we heal them, and we guide them spiritually. Why then should we be excluded from the Inter-Religious Council?” Mutasa wondered.

He noted that many Ugandans, including those who identify as Christians or Muslims, continue to consult traditional healers and spiritualists at different stages of life, particularly during illness, marriage, childbirth and family crises.

Mutasa added that traditional spirituality is deeply rooted in Uganda’s culture and history and cannot be dismissed simply because modern religions and medical systems have become dominant.

“These beliefs existed long before modern faiths arrived, and they continue to exist, so instead of ignoring us, government should acknowledge that reality and work with us for the good of the country,” he said.

He warned that if the government fails to act on their request, they will seek legal redress since the Constitution guarantees freedom of worship and belief, which they say should apply to them equally.

During the retreat, 50 members graduated with certificates after two years of studying cultural norms, and a committee was formed to deal with conmen and fake witchdoctors.

This move is intended to protect their profession, which they said is increasingly being tarnished by fraudulent practitioners who exploit desperate people. They appealed to government to support them through policy recognition and training so their work can be professionalised for the public good.

Graduates Zizinga Mulumba Magaato and Nakato Nabagesera said they would use their skills to promote good cultural practices and fight fake witchdoctors in society.

Local leaders on the island praised the group for being transparent and for generating income for the community through the sale of various items to participants. James Musenze, the LC1 chairperson, said many residents earned money by selling food, livestock and other goods to attendees, and boda boda riders also benefited from transport services.

Throughout the two-day retreat, participants took part in prayers, traditional rituals, healing sessions, cultural dances and spiritual counselling. Drumming and traditional songs filled the island as different groups conducted cleansing rituals and spiritual teachings along the shores.

Mutasa said the retreat marked the beginning of a broader national effort to unite traditional healers and spiritualists across Uganda under a common agenda.