Implication of Belief in Witchcraft among Christians: A Case of Bukulula Parish, Masaka Diocese, Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated implication of belief in witchcraft among Christian: A case of Bukulula Parish, Masaka Diocese, Uganda. The study targeted all Christians of Bukulula parish, and the sample size were 151. The respondents were sampled through purposive sampling and stratified sampling. The study used a mixed paradigm for data collection and analysis. The main instruments in the study included questionnaires and interviews. Field data was analyzed using both statistical and thematic analysis. The study established that the Church does not accept any other belief or worship of anything else apart from belief in the one true God as the Ten Commandments specifies. The study revealed that the major factors that contribute to belief in witchcraft include unclear prolonged illnesses, desire for prosperity, fear of death and extreme poverty. It was also discovered that among the impacts of belief in witchcraft among Christians include,a reduction in numbers of churchgoers, low levels of development due to poor working relationships, unhappiness among people and poor participation towards church-related activities as well as illnesses and poverty. Some strategies to overcome belief in witchcraft include, frequent Gospel sharing, fellowship, deeper Christian instruction, community and personal prayers, committed pastoral work and genuine love among members.