Leaders Urge Against Witchcraft for Cancer Treatment in Uganda

Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Robert Abak of Nebbi District has issued a stern warning against seeking cancer treatment from traditional healers and witch doctors, highlighting that this practice is leading to preventable deaths.

During the recent Rotary Cancer Run, Mr. Abak stated that his office has received numerous reports of families mistaking cancer symptoms for curses or witchcraft, leading them to consult traditional practitioners. He emphasized that by the time patients reach formal health facilities, the cancer is often in an advanced stage due to the delays and expenses incurred at shrines, making treatment significantly more challenging.

“Cancer is not witchcraft. It is a medical condition that requires early screening and proper treatment by qualified health workers,” Mr. Abak asserted, urging residents to cease wasting time and resources on ineffective traditional remedies.

Municiplity Mayor Jackline Opar echoed these sentiments, particularly encouraging women to undergo regular cervical cancer screenings and avoid traditional healers. She stressed that cancer is a devastating disease that requires urgent, collective action from communities and national stakeholders.

The Rotary Cancer Run aims to raise funds for a specialized cancer ward at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya and to increase community awareness. Rotary Uganda is seeking Shs 15 billion for the project, with approximately Shs 5 billion already raised.

Meanwhile, former Woman MP for Nebbi District, Jackline Aol, called for the establishment of regional cancer treatment centers. She believes this would alleviate the strain on Mulago National Referral Hospital, reduce treatment and transport costs for patients, and prevent deaths that occur due to the prohibitive expenses associated with care in Kampala, which often forces desperate families to seek out witch doctors.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda) https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/cancer-is-not-witchcraft-leaders-demand-action-as-desperation-drives-patients-to-traditional-healers-5576898