When Rainmakers Fail in Uganda | Johannesburg News

In eastern Uganda, rainmakers—spiritual leaders who summon rain—are facing deadly backlash when the skies refuse to cooperate. As climate change fuels erratic weather and devastating crop failures, communities increasingly blame these traditional figures for their misfortunes, sometimes resorting to violence. Though not yet as extreme as in South Sudan, where two rainmakers were buried alive, Ugandan rainmakers endure assaults and legal threats. One, David Nabutsilili, still bears a broken leg from being chased after summoning a flood that ruined gardens—yet he’s still called upon for help. The core problem? A dangerous mix of desperation, outdated expectations, and a world where rain can no longer be controlled by ritual. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/africa/2026-09-15-climate-change-fuels-attacks-on-african-spiritual-rainmakers/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/59025fd27797282b Report issues to [email protected].