Uganda: Herbalists, Religious Leaders Urge Ugandans to Follow Science in Fight Against Ebola

14 October 2022

A prominent Christian cleric in Uganda has warned that extreme faith can sometimes lead to mistakes, and has urged religious leaders to believe in science.

Reverend Daniel Tokens Wejuli's comments came as Uganda grapples with an Ebola outbreak which has so far claimed 19 lives, including one in the capital, Kampala.

In the latest measure to curb the spread of the disease, President Yoweri Museveni ordered traditional healers and herbalists not to treat people who have Ebola-like systems.

In Uganda even highly religious people visit their traditional healers. For many, the two health systems back each other up - if one doesn't work, the other might.

The reverend, who is in charge of Spirituality and Mindset Change at the Inter-religious Council of Uganda, told the BBC he agreed with Mr Museveni's directive.

"Cultural and religious practices can spread the disease - for instance, touching or mixing with people who are infected.

"You can pray for someone from a distance, or even remotely using technology. Religious leaders have a responsibility to protect their flock," he added.

Hajjat Aisha Rashid Lukwago, who runs Corporate Herbalist, one of the biggest herbal care establishments in the country, said she would comply with the directive.

"With herbal medicine there are things you cannot handle. We do not have enough research on Ebola and therefore can't offer any solutions," she told the BBC.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.