By Mulengera Reporters
Across Africa, the pursuit of good health has always been a blend of tradition, spirituality, and science. While modern medicine has made significant advancements, traditional and faith-based healing practices continue to play an essential role in many communities.
This harmony between different approaches to healthcare was the central focus of the Faith and Health Conference 2025 at Kyambogo University, on Wednesday, at Kyambogo University.
Under the theme “Good Health and Well-Being: The Intersection of Faith and Healing Practices in East-Central Africa,” the conference brought together medical professionals, scholars, faith leaders, and traditional healers to explore ways in which these diverse healing systems can complement one another.
One of the most compelling speakers was Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, a leading researcher in African spirituality, indigenous medicine, and traditional healthcare.
With a PhD in Indigenous Medicine from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and decades of experience, he has become a key figure in the promotion and documentation of traditional healing practices.
Dr. Sekagya, who also serves as the Director of PROMETRA Uganda, emphasized the holistic nature of traditional medicine, stating that health is not just the absence of disease but a balance between the physical, spiritual, and ancestral realms.
His research explores how ancestral spirits (Lubaale), mystical beings, worker spirits (Mayembe), and divination practices influence healing. He explained that traditional healing is deeply rooted in African culture, offering solutions that have stood the test of time.
His presentation underscored the vital role of herbal medicine, sacred rituals, spiritual guidance, and community support in maintaining well-being. Dr. Sekagya further highlighted the importance of recognizing the wisdom embedded in traditional medicine and integrating it into modern healthcare systems to ensure a more inclusive approach to healing.
The discussion was enriched by contributions from religious leaders such as Pastor Dr. Martin Ssempa, who acknowledged the effectiveness of herbal medicine and shared his own experience with natural remedies.
While expressing concerns about certain spiritual healing practices, Pastor Ssempa agreed that faith plays a critical role in emotional and psychological healing, reinforcing the idea that different belief systems can work together for the well-being of society.
The conference also featured international scholars, including Prof. Emma Wild-Wood from the University of Edinburgh, who emphasized that healing has always been influenced by faith and tradition across cultures. She highlighted how spiritual and herbal remedies have historically complemented modern medicine, showing that diverse healing approaches can coexist.
A key takeaway from the conference was the growing recognition of the need for collaboration between biomedical science, traditional medicine, and faith-based healing.
Experts called for more research, policy support, and public awareness to ensure that traditional healing practices are documented, regulated, and integrated into national healthcare systems.
As the discussions continue, there is a renewed commitment to fostering respect, dialogue, and cooperation among different healing traditions. The Faith and Health Conference has set the stage for a future where science, faith, and tradition unite to promote the well-being of individuals and communities alike. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
