District authorities in Kisoro are considering banning the activities of traditional healers for allegedly fueling conflicts in communities. The traditional healers are common in Kisoro municipality and Kyahi, Nyarusiza and Nyakabande Sub counties.
But, local authorities accuse the traditional healers of extorting money from residents with all sorts of claims. They also accuse the traditional healers of placing adverts on local radio stations, in which they claim to cure cancer and HIV.
Molly Sebi, the LC V female councilor for Chahi and Nyarusiza Sub counties, says the traditional healers have become a huge menace.
Abel Bizimana, the Kisoro LC V Chairperson, says the traditional healers dupe residents using adverts on radio with promises of helping them to become wealthy, which has affected productivity.
Hajji Shaqifue Ssekandi, the Kisoro Resident District Commissioner, says the most frustrating thing is that most of the traditional healers operate illegally.
He says they are in the process of conduction a crackdown against the traditional healers, adding that none residents will be asked to leave.
Charity Mugisha, the Chairperson Kigezi Region National Council of Traditional Healers Association, says she supports the move provided those operating in the district are doing it illegally.
Hassan Mubiru alias Karimajugo, one of the traditional healers found operating in Nyakabande Sub County, says the district leaders are only acting with selfish motives to harass them.
Mubiru however declined to show reporters a license authorizing his operations in the district.
