Herbalists Protest at Kiira Police Over Alleged Fake Practitioners

Herbalists in Jinja City and the Busoga region staged a protest at the Kiira Region police offices on November 11, 2024, condemning the actions of "fake herbalists" who have been confiscating shrine materials and demanding money while falsely claiming to be representatives from State House.

Jaja Bujagali Kirunda, the leader of the herbalists in the region, asserted that these individuals are not legitimate herbalists and have no official ties to the State House. He emphasized that Busoga is an independent region and that President Museveni is not personally acquainted with them. 

Jaja Bujagali further explained that Busoga has its cultural leader who is responsible for overseeing such matters. He confirmed that no official communication or letter from the State House has been received to substantiate the claims made by these individuals. He urged fellow herbalists to remain vigilant and report any such incidents to the police should these fake herbalists appear again.

David Basalirwa, a herbalist based in Jinja City, shared his encounter with the alleged impostors. He recounted how they arrived at his shrine, introduced themselves as representatives of the State House, and were accompanied by an officer named Ahibisibwe. Basalirwa said the officer locked himself in a car after introductions, avoiding identification, while the group mistreated him. 

They allegedly demanded his operational license, shrine materials, and cow hides, claiming they needed to take these items to the State House for President Museveni. Basalirwa also stated that they threatened him with arrest unless he paid over 5 million shillings.

In response to the protest, Kiira Region Police spokesperson, James Mubi, reassured the herbalists that the police are committed to ensuring public security. He encouraged them to report any such incidents promptly and file cases for immediate investigation. Mubi urged the herbalists not to be intimidated by these fake individuals but to collaborate with authorities and relevant stakeholders to address such issues effectively.

He also called on the community to speak out against fraudulent activities to foster a safer environment and eliminate practices that erode public trust.