As Uganda approaches its general elections in January 2026, a surge in belief in witchcraft and supernatural influence is gripping the political landscape. Many candidates and voters alike believe that success or failure in elections can be heavily influenced by spiritual forces, prompting a dramatic rise in the use of traditional rituals and consultations with witch doctors.
In Mbale, a parliamentary aspirant, Wilson Watira, described avoiding a handshake with an opponent at a funeral, citing fears of supernatural attacks. Cultural researcher Steven Masiga noted that across Uganda, politicians often allocate part of their campaign budgets to pay witch doctors in hopes of spiritual protection or electoral victory.
The practice includes visiting shrines, performing rituals, and even carrying personal charms or avoiding eye contact—all meant to protect oneself from spiritual harm. Some ceremonies involve animal sacrifices, burning of herbs, or staying in seclusion before big political events.
Religious leaders have also raised alarms. Bishop Lawrence Mukasa of the Kasana-Luweero Diocese openly criticized the reliance on witchcraft, urging Christian politicians to reject occult practices and focus on prayer and integrity.
In Kamuli District, fear has turned personal and deadly. Former LC5 Chairman Thomas Kategere claimed he left politics after a series of strange occurrences, including a live chick found in his locked office and persistent illness that doctors failed to diagnose. Similarly, former district chairperson Salaam Musumba alleged there is a covert network of poisoners and herbalists targeting leaders. These suspicions intensified following the sudden death of Charles Mugude Kuwembula, a district chairman who collapsed mysteriously and later died. Musumba believes his death was linked to spiritual attacks and plans to expose the network at his burial.
President Yoweri Museveni, now 80, is expected to run for re-election, potentially against popular opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. In such a high-stakes race, the blending of traditional beliefs and political maneuvering reveals a society where spiritual fears remain potent even in modern politics.
Credit: Africanews
