Traditional Medicine Practice in Contemporary Uganda

Abstract

Traditional medicine practice involves a complex combination of activities, order of knowledge, beliefs and customs to generate the desired effects for the diagnosis, prevention or elimination of imbalances in physical, psychological or social well-being. Traditional medicine practice is based on the indigenous knowledge of a given people, a given community, and their experiences in the context of the local culture and environment - it is dynamic and changes with time depending on the prevailing situation. Traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) comprise herbalists, bonesetters, psychic healers, traditional birth attendants, faith healers, diviners, and spiritualists who use indigenous knowledge for developing materials and procedures. Traditional healers are an integral part of the local culture and are appreciated as key and sustainable sources of care and knowledge on disease and illness.