Uganda cracks down on witchdoctor radio ads

KAMPALA (Reuters Life!) - Uganda's witchdoctors are increasingly trying to hook clients with radio advertisements, the government said on Tuesday, adding that it would legislate if necessary to stop stations giving them a voice.

Like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda has a long tradition of belief in witchdoctors and the spirit world they claim to represent. Many Ugandans, especially in rural areas, consult witchdoctors before medics when they fall sick.

"Increasingly, radio stations are advertising services of witchdoctors on their airwaves," a government statement said. "Managers are required to make sure that witchdoctors are not permitted to lure people ... via their stations."

The communiqué said the government was considering amending existing laws to explicitly ban advertising witchdoctors' charms or potions, much as tobacco adverts are banned on radio and TV stations in many countries.

A surge in activity by Ugandan witchdoctors has coincided with an outbreak of Ebola fever that has infected 116 people and killed 30, spreading panic across the country.

The epidemic of the deadly hemorrhagic fever, which causes many victims to die bleeding through their eyes, ears and other orifices, has been largely confined to the remote western Bundibugyo district, which borders Democratic Republic of Congo.

But many fear the outbreak could mushroom into a major epidemic affecting the capital Kampala and other cities.

"Promotion of activities that are deemed to be exploitative of the people will not be permitted ... such as witchcraft," the government statement said.

(Reporting by Tim Cocks; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Paul Casciato)