Fears as Butaleja, the witch doctor, makes 8 mad in Inomo, Amolatar

In Inomo, Amolatar district, the arrival of Butaleja, a witch doctor, has sparked turmoil after eight individuals reportedly went mad following his recent rituals. 

The incident traces back to a stolen cow belonging to Eling Bonny, who sought the services of Butaleja to find the culprit.

After the rituals were conducted on June 21, those who participated by washing their hands and consuming what appeared to be sesame seeds began exhibiting signs of madness.

Among those affected are Okwany David, Sekengo Luka, known as Anam; Opio Hallan; Ecir Hallan; one identified as Harron of Airtel; Odur Jaspher, a builder; Kwanga Haron; and Okot Emmanuel, also called Okot Opungo.

One individual has since been taken to Lira for spiritual healing.

Butaleja declared that each person who went mad would pay shs5 million as compensation for the stolen cow, in addition to shs200,000 and shs200 for LC1 administrative fees.

This demand has created mixed reactions among locals, with some arguing that innocent people have suffered while others involved have prior records of theft.

Parallel unrest occurred in Arwotcek, where Butaleja was called upon to identify those responsible for the killing of a Senior One student from Kangai Secondary School.

Following the ritual there, four young men also reportedly went mad. The community remains divided over the efficacy and consequences of Butaleja’s interventions as they grapple with fear and uncertainty.