George Bita
5 July 2009
Kampala — TRADITIONAL herbalists approach politicians with bogus charms during campaign seasons, Iganga district chairperson Asuman Kyafu has said.
According to Kyafu, the concoctions are used to con politicians of their money with promises that the medicine can help them win elections.
"These fellows have gone to several politicians asking for sh1m for the herbs.
"I once asked one of them why he did not use the herbs to become a district chairperson," he said.
Kyafu made the disclosure during a meeting between officials from the National Drug Authority and district officials at Mwana Highway Hotel in Iganga on Tuesday.
The meeting was part of celebrations to mark the national drug watchdog's 15 years of existence.
Kyafu appealed to the drug authority to help sensitise people about the dangers of using herbalists.
"In Makuutu sub-county, which is the remotest area in Iganga, there is one traditional healer for almost every four homesteads. "These are the people who solely administer concocted drugs to sick people," he said.
Apollo Muhairwe, the executive secretary of the National Drug Authority, urged the Police to arrest the fake healers.
"The Police can also close clinics associated with such dubious healers," Muhairwe said, adding that the districts could even pass by-laws to control the traditional healers.
"This has been done in Hoima, Arua, Kabale and Fort Portal where the resident district commissioners simply banned their activities," Muhairwe said.
Siraji Katono, the Iganga town LC3 chairperson, said the healers operate illegally in his area because the council does not issue them with licenses to practice their trade.
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