opinion 22 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Should Witch Doctors Be Included in the Inter-Religious Council?
A recent column in the Daily Monitor suggests that traditional healers, often referred to as witch doctors, should be formally recognized and integrated into Uganda's Inter-Religious Council. The author argues that these practitioners hold significant influence in many communities and their exclusion leads to a fragmented approach to spiritual and cultural matters. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/columnists/allan-tacca/put-witch-doctors-on-inter-religious-council-5566470
The current structure of Uganda’s Inter-Religious Council, a body meant to foster dialogue and unity among faith groups, may be overlooking a significant segment of the population’s spiritual leaders. Allan Tacca, writing for the Daily Monitor, posits that traditional healers, sometimes pejoratively called witch doctors, deserve a seat at the table.
These traditional healers, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of many Ugandan communities, often address the holistic needs of their adherents, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Their practices, while viewed differently by established religions, are a form of spiritual engagement for a substantial number of people.
Tacca’s argument centers on the idea that excluding these traditional practitioners creates a disconnect. It implies that their influence and the services they provide are not legitimate or worthy of formal recognition, which can lead to a stigmatization of both the healers and those who seek their help.
The inclusion of traditional healers, the author suggests, would not only legitimize their role but also allow for better regulation and understanding of their practices. It could foster an environment where traditional healing methods are studied alongside other religious and spiritual disciplines, potentially leading to more comprehensive approaches to public health and community well-being.
This proposal challenges the conventional definitions of religious institutions and calls for a broader, more inclusive understanding of spirituality in Uganda. It asks whether established religious councils can truly represent the diverse spiritual landscape of the nation without acknowledging the presence and impact of traditional healers. The author implies that their current exclusion is an oversight that weakens the council’s ability to be a truly representative body.