By Kenneth Wamatoyi
JINJA
Herbalists in Jinja City and the Busoga region have stormed Kiira Region police offices protesting the actions of alleged fake herbalists who have been confiscating shrine materials and demanding money while claiming to be from State House.
The Herbalists led by Jaja Bujagali Kirunda, who is based in the region stormed the police offices on Monday 11th November, 2024.
According to Jaja Bujagali Kirunda, these individuals are falsely posing as herbalists. He stated that they do not have any official connection to State House because, as a region, Busoga is independent, and President Museveni is not familiar with them.
Jaja Bujagali stresses that Busoga region has a cultural leader within the kingdom, and that individual is responsible for overseeing such matters.
However, no official letter or communication clarifying the visitors’ intentions from State House has been received. He urged fellow herbalists to remain vigilant and report such incidents to the police if these fake herbalists return.
David Basalirwa, one of the herbalists in Jinja City, shared his experience with the alleged fake herbalists.
He said that they arrived at his shrine, introduced themselves as representatives from State House, and were accompanied by an officer named Ahibisibwe who locked up himself from the car after introduction to avoid identification as they began mistreating David Basalirwa. They allegedly demanded his operation license, shrine materials, and cow hides, claiming they needed to take them to State House for President Museveni. Basalirwa said they also threatened him with arrest unless he paid over 5 million shillings.
In response, Kiira Region Police spokesperson, SP James Mubi, assured the herbalists that the police are committed to ensuring community security. He urged them to report such incidents and file cases for immediate investigation.
SP Mubi emphasized that herbalists should not be intimidated by these fake individuals but should instead work with stakeholders to build consensus and address these matters appropriately.
Mubi also called on the community to speak out against such activities in order to create a safer environment and eliminate fraudulent practices that undermine public trust.
