UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
felt forced to abandon the facility in 2006. 496 These incidents caused the Nakasongola
District Council to discuss the issue of witchcraft during local government meetings in
search of a solution.
Cases of witchcraft were also discussed in Mukono, Mubende, Mbarara and Luwero
Districts. Witchcraft was said to be used to poison, charm, disable or kill, often as a
method to steal land from the victims.
Participants stated that the commercial use of witchcraft is a relatively new phenomenon.
Witchcraft is advertised over the radio as a type of employment. Participants stated that
witchcraft is a countrywide problem affecting peace and health. At the same time, it was
described as a means to an end. As formal court processes are considered expensive, slow
and partial in favour of the rich (who have resources and knowledge to manipulate the
police and judges), witchcraft was identified as
one of the most widely used ‘justice’ mechanisms
available to the poor. Further, high poverty levels in the community were said to lead
community members, driven by jealousy, to use witchcraft to sabotage the progress of
fellow community members. Often, cases of deaths, disease and psychological problems
are subscribed to witchcraft. As such, witchcraft is seen as a destabilising factor in society,
undermining peace and harmonious coexistence.
123. Domestic Violence in central Uganda (1986 – present)
Domestic violence, though not a new phenomenon, is said to have risen exponentially
following the Bush War in the areas affected by the conflict. The participants indicated
496 Kiwanuka, F. (2007) Uganda: Nakasongola Health Centre cleansed. All Africa, [Internet], Available from:
[Accessed 14 August 2012]
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