The issue of the existence of witchcraft in Africa has not only plagued the lives of many, it has also drawn significant scholarly attention. One of the issues which scholars do not raise in a sustained manner is the matter of whether or not witchcraft exists. In Uganda, however, the debate raises the issue of the existence of the phenomenon. In discussing the case of athletes who are allegedly bewitched, a Ugandan police officer states:
"There is no witchcraft. It is just psychological and it is so because the place is remote and they are lagging behind in development," said Biingi.
An unfortunate incident was when the mob found a man walking with his
wife taking vegetables. They told him that the woman was a witch. They
took her and dropped her off a cliff in the mountainous terrain to her
death.
The other incident was when a man was called to treat a sick person. However the person he was treating died and the mob turned to him and beat him up.
"What these athletes need are good coaches who will train them both psychologically and physically. That thing (witchcraft) does not exist. It is just that the society is closed and people are not educated. Such things are bound to happen," Biingi added
Another person said: "I think people are over watching Nigerian movies. Those things are only seen by the husband and the woman and none of the public. There is also a 13-year old girl Aida, who is fire possessed. Whenever She stays in a home for three months, the house catches fire," says Mangusho.
Those scholars who simply assume that Africans generally believe in the existence of witchcraft will do well to listen to the debate on the ground!
"There is no witchcraft. It is just psychological and it is so because the place is remote and they are lagging behind in development," said Biingi.
He says that for the last two years, they have received two incidents
were people have been killed for allegedly being witches. "These are
women in their 80's."
The other incident was when a man was called to treat a sick person. However the person he was treating died and the mob turned to him and beat him up.
"What these athletes need are good coaches who will train them both psychologically and physically. That thing (witchcraft) does not exist. It is just that the society is closed and people are not educated. Such things are bound to happen," Biingi added
Another person said: "I think people are over watching Nigerian movies. Those things are only seen by the husband and the woman and none of the public. There is also a 13-year old girl Aida, who is fire possessed. Whenever She stays in a home for three months, the house catches fire," says Mangusho.
Those scholars who simply assume that Africans generally believe in the existence of witchcraft will do well to listen to the debate on the ground!
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