Witchcraft and politics: Uganda’s election season sparks supernatural surge
As Uganda heads into its election season, some candidates are turning to unconventional methods to gain an edge. In Eastern Uganda, Rosie Mukite, a witch doctor, says she has seen a noticeable increase in visits from political hopefuls seeking supernatural help.
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00:00As Uganda gears up for election season, candidates are doing whatever it takes to stand out.
00:08It was here which doctor in eastern Uganda says she has seen a rise in visits from political hopefuls seeking a supernatural edge.
00:17When a person comes and asks me if they will go through or fail, I normally give them some medicine so that they can win the election and their opponent will not go through.
00:36There are many people coming now because of the election season.
00:41Witchcraft is common in Uganda.
00:48In Kampala, it's easy to spot adverts from witch doctors offering to catch thieves, bring back lost lovers and now help politicians to win the 2026 elections.
01:00An election period, nobody tells with certainty if they are winning an election.
01:07So whether it is at the top, topmost, we cannot rule out that if people make contacts here and there, at least they have conduits to the witch doctor, irrespective of the offices, yes.
01:18Not everyone supports the use of witchcraft in Uganda, where Christianity remains dominant.
01:27Piskalai, a Catholic candidate running for parliament, says she rejected pressure from supporters urging her to perform rituals they believe could boost her chances of winning.
01:38So me, I do not believe in the whole other perception of maybe going for witchcraft, go ahead of your opponents or anything.
01:49I believe in Christianity, so that is what I focus on most, praying to God, fasting, knowing that definitely a breakthrough will come.
01:57Some witch doctors prefer the term traditional healers.
02:02While many politicians are believed to use their services, few admit it, fearing public backlash or ridicule.
