Updated
Traditional healers remain an important part of health care in Uganda, especially in rural areas. Most are herbalists who prepare remedies from plants, roots and bark for everyday complaints, while others are spiritual healers who deal with ancestral spirits and misfortune. The English word “witchdoctor” is misleading and often offensive; Ugandans distinguish healers who help people from those accused of harmful witchcraft. Many visitors meet a herbalist on community walks near Bwindi, where healers explain medicinal plants from the forest edge.
What healers do
Herbalists treat common problems such as stomach upsets, coughs, skin conditions and wounds, and advise on fertility and childbirth, using knowledge passed down through families. Spiritual healers may divine the causes of illness or bad luck and perform rituals involving ancestors and clan spirits. People often use both traditional and modern medicine, visiting a clinic and a healer for the same problem, and some health programmes work with healers to refer serious cases to clinics. See our guide to medicinal plants of Bwindi.
Meeting a healer as a visitor
The Buhoma community walk near Bwindi and Batwa cultural experiences often include a visit to a healer, who shows how plants are collected and prepared and explains their uses. This is a demonstration, not a consultation; do not take remedies without medical advice, and avoid anything sold as a cure for serious illness. Ask before photographing and treat the visit with respect. See our guides to the gorilla and cultural safari and the Batwa Trail.
Healers and conservation
When Bwindi became a national park, neighbouring communities lost access to many forest resources, including medicinal plants. Multiple-use zones now allow registered community members to collect some plants under agreed rules, a compromise that recognises their cultural and health importance. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guide to religion and traditional beliefs in Uganda.
Frequently asked questions
Mostly herbal treatment of common illnesses; some also perform spiritual rituals.
No; “traditional healer” or “herbalist” is accurate and respectful.
Yes, on community walks and Batwa cultural experiences.
Not without medical advice; treat visits as demonstrations.
