Jinja: At least six traditional healers in Jinja district have been charged with disturbing the peace of the dead after they were arrested with sacks of human bones during a police operation.
The successful operation was carried out in the rural areas of Jinja district, specifically in Buwenge Town Council, as part of efforts to crack down on impostors claiming to heal locals while extorting them.
According to the police, the operation was prompted by public outcry over the suspicious activities of several individuals who were allegedly demanding human bones for economic gain.
“We have arrested six of them, and they are in our custody. They have been charged with disturbing the peace of the dead,” said SP James Mubi, the Kiira region police spokesperson.
The operation, which took place on Thursday, November 21, 2024, was led by Kiira Regional Police Commander (RPC) SSP Charles Nsaba, with technical guidance from Regional CID SSP Johnson Agaba, under the territorial command of SP Morris Oyee, the DPC of CPS Buwenge.
The suspects include: Afani Zubairi, a 62-year-old resident of Mawaito village in Buwenge rural sub-county; Ronald Mukasa, 51; Ibrahim Iswezi, 42, both residents of Market Zone, Buwenge Town Council; and Nathan Nantakika, 32; Herman Wabitotya, 18; and Sharif Mugere, all from Butagaya Sub-county in Jinja district.
“Even skeletons were discovered at the suspects’ shrines,” Mubi added.
Police are thoroughly investigating where the suspects obtained the human bones and skeletons, which are believed to date back as far as 50 years. These body parts were reportedly used for illicit practices within the community.
Mr. Mubi confirmed that samples of the bones and skeletons had been sent to forensics for DNA analysis and further examination.
“All members of the public who have been victims of these circumstances are encouraged to come to the police to lodge official complaints and seek justice,” Mubi said.
The police have cautioned citizens against engaging with such traditional healers and have encouraged them to pursue lawful and productive employment rather than participate in illegal activities that have serious legal and socio-economic consequences.
Mubi further warned, “Traditional herbalists should desist from demanding human body parts, extorting individuals, and giving false hope to unsuspecting people in the name of restoring relationships or achieving commercial gain.”
However, Mr. Hassan Kinosa, the Chairperson of LC3 for Buwenge Town Council, argued that many herbalists are registered members of their communities and are authorized to operate. He urged the police to collaborate with registered practitioners in the fight against unregistered individuals who engage in unlawful activities.
“It would not be fair for registered herbalists to be arrested during these operations, as they are known to the police. The police should collaborate with us to target the criminals,” Mr. Kinosa said.
Earlier this week, leaders in the fight against human sacrifice, including members of the Uganda Herbalists and Healers Association, conducted a sensitization campaign in Busia and started similar activities in the Busoga subregion. The campaign began in Kakira and Buwenge areas in Jinja district, with plans to expand throughout Busoga.
Leading the campaign, Ms. Jamira Nalwoga, the director of the Anti-Human Sacrifice initiative, stated that the goal of the program is to reduce human sacrifice and human trafficking in the country.
“We are working together with Uganda police to ensure that these unlawful practices of human sacrifice are curtailed,” Ms. Nalwoga said.
She also urged traditional healers and the public to support the campaign in the fight against human trafficking and sacrifice.
