Traditional Healers in Uganda: Balancing Spirituality and Medicine

Dr Sekagya, who operates at the intersection of medical and traditional practices, noted that patients often suffer from ailments that have spiritual roots.

In Uganda, traditional healers, known as mulubale, play a vital yet often misunderstood role in healthcare.

Dr Yahaya Sekagya, a traditional health practitioner, dental surgeon, and public health expert, highlighted the significance of ancestral spirits in traditional medicine during his thesis presentation at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, titled "Philosophical Basis of Health Care Among Baganda Spiritual Traditional Healers in Central Uganda."

Dr Sekagya, who operates at the intersection of medical and traditional practices, noted that patients often suffer from ailments that have spiritual roots.

This dual perspective enables him to identify appropriate remedies.

He defines illness as spiritual (olumbe) and disease as physical (obulwadde), emphasising that a strong connection with one’s ancestors is crucial for maintaining good health, or obulamu obulungi*.

The journey to becoming a *mulubale* involves a rigorous initiation and training process.

Dr Sekagya explained that individuals must be anointed and guided by ancestral spirits.

“You must be identified by ancestral spirits, specifically those who have passed away,” he stated.

This spiritual connection is essential, as it helps the healer navigate their practice and communicate effectively with patients.

In Buganda culture, spiritualism is deeply intertwined with traditional medicine. Ancestral spirits, such as mizumu (spirits of the dead) and mayembe (workers’ spirits), play key roles in healing.

Dr Sekagya identifies Muwanga, a disciplined spirit, as central to his practice, stating, “Human sacrifice was never associated with Spirit Muwanga. Most of my respondents used this spirit for healing.”

Despite being initiated, Dr Sekagya faces challenges accessing certain sacred sites, which are often gazetted by Uganda’s National Museum to preserve their significance.

He stresses the importance of protecting these sites, as they are vital to traditional healing practices.

“These sacred places should be respected by both the government and the public,” he urged.

Confidentiality is another critical aspect of traditional healing.

Dr Sekagya noted that the spirits advised him to remove a list of medicinal plants from his research, warning that public disclosure could jeopardise their safety.

This loyalty to spiritual guidance reflects the complex relationship between traditional knowledge and public recognition.

The stigma surrounding traditional healing remains a concern.

Dr Imelda Tamwesigire, one of the thesis examiners, suggested that promoting the profession could help combat negative perceptions.

She advocated for competent healers, a structured curriculum, and even a holy book to enhance the spiritual aspect of healing.

As Uganda progresses toward Vision 2040, Dr Sekagya urges policymakers to acknowledge the importance of traditional practices.

“If we had the opportunity to develop at our own pace, we would be far ahead,” he asserted.

With over 80% of the Ugandan population relying on traditional medicine for primary healthcare, he believes it is time for traditional healers to have a platform for advancement.

“This could be our time to develop,” he concluded, hoping for a harmonious future where society and the spirits coexist effectively.