President Yoweri Museveni is expected to announce his new cabinet for the 2026-2031 term of office after taking oath on May 12. But one phenomenon, one difficult to prove scientifically, has persisted: seeking spiritual powers to influence cabinet appointments. But, can witchdoctors’ powers really influence cabinet appointments as worried ministers frequent shrines for blessings?
Reports have emerged alleging that several worried ministers and senior politicians, especially MPs, are increasingly turning to traditional shrines and witch doctors in hopes of making it to Museveni’s coveted cabinet list.
Some politicians who fear being dropped from cabinet have allegedly abandoned ordinary lobbying efforts and instead sought spiritual intervention from renowned traditional healers believed to possess powers connected to influence, protection, and political favor.
The growing visits to shrines have now triggered debate over whether traditional spiritual powers can influence high-level political appointments or whether desperate politicians are simply searching for hope amid uncertainty surrounding the cabinet selection process.
Recently, up to three ministers whose identities remain undisclosed were reportedly seen participating in rituals at separate shrines believed to be associated with political blessings and protection.
As expected, the leaders arrived discreetly and took part in ceremonies intended to improve their chances of remaining in government.
Two of the ministers were allegedly spotted near Kagulu Hill, while another senior politician was reportedly seen visiting a famous traditional healer in Karenga.
The said politicians reportedly sought blessings aimed at preserving their political relevance and strengthening their relationship with the appointing authority, president Museveni, ahead of the unveiling of a new cabinet list.
Some reportedly requested charms believed to neutralize rivals, attract favor, and shield them from political misfortune.
The reports have revived long-standing stories about the role traditional beliefs continue to play in Uganda’s political landscape.
During previous elections and major political contests, several politicians were rumored to have consulted witch doctors and shrine custodians in search of victory, protection, and influence.
In past election periods, local residents in different parts of the country have claimed to witness politicians making secret visits to shrines late at night, especially during tense campaigns and appointment battles.
Although many of these allegations have never been officially confirmed nor those named owned up, the stories have remained part of Uganda’s political folklore.
But such practices are usually fueled by fear, uncertainty, and the intense competition for political survival.
While many leaders publicly associate themselves with churches and mosques, some privately continue to maintain belief in traditional spiritual systems.
It is officially understood that cabinet appointments remain entirely dependent on President Museveni’s political calculations, performance evaluations, regional balance, and loyalty considerations rather than supernatural powers.
As tension continues to rise ahead of the expected cabinet announcement, speculation surrounding the alleged shrine visits is likely to deepen public curiosity over whether political survival in Uganda is shaped purely by strategy and loyalty — or whether some leaders still believe spiritual forces can influence the corridors of power.
Days ago, reports indicated that witchcraft items were found in the homes of embattled speaker Anita Among. (See Details Here).
Also, during Rebecca Kadaga’s reign as speaker of parliament, a human head was found at parliament, shocking the country and prompting claims that MPs and politicians are involved in witchcraft and ritual sacrifices. (See Details Here and There).
Other case of witchcraft included a case where Chris Obore was said to be using witchcraft to plot Kadaga’s downfall, and another where a former MP candidate was reportedly found planting witchcraft charms at the home of then chief justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, as reported Here and There.
