Rainmakers in Uganda and other parts of Africa are recognized as spiritual leaders in their communities and hold ceremonies to ask the gods for rain. However, climate change and ongoing droughts have created unrealistic expectations of these individuals, resulting in them facing violence from farmers.
David Nabotsilili's Experience
David Nabotsilili, a 45-year-old rainmaker, recalls how farmers who had paid him to ask for rain chased him when the rain fell too heavily and flooded their vegetable gardens. He eventually ran into a rock and suffered a broken thigh bone. Nabotsilili said, "People beat us because sometimes it rains too much or it doesn’t rain at all."
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In many African communities, rainmakers are regarded as respected spiritual figures. However, their claimed successes can create very high expectations among farmers. In some cases, if rainmakers fail to meet these expectations, they may be threatened with violence or even murder.
Violence Against Rainmakers
In South Sudan, at least two rainmakers have been killed in the past two years. Last year, Salomon Otore was buried alive in a remote village called Luho due to severe drought. In June, men kidnapped a rainmaker named Albino Lobilia and buried him alive. Medelina Tito, a relative of Lobilia, said, "They held meetings and decided to kill him because, according to them, he had disobeyed the rain command."
Studies show that the number of rainy days in the Kaputa region, near Lobilia's birthplace, has decreased from 90 days in the 1980s to 46 days in the mid-2010s. These climate changes have led to increased droughts and floods, putting farmers under severe pressure.
Matthew Oromu, a government official, said, "The situation is getting worse, and people are unaware of what is happening. They do not know the impact of climate change." In Uganda, although no rainmakers have been killed, some have been attacked and even reported to authorities.
Nabotsilili, who was recognized as a rainmaker at the age of 14, says if it does not rain, it is the will of God. He said, "In life, there are always things that fail, but that does not stop us from trying again."
Rainmakers in Uganda typically consult at their homes or in bars they visit. Those who need their services must pay a fee that can range from $13 to $260. These fees can lead to increased violence against rainmakers when they refuse to refund money if they are unsuccessful.
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Source: abcnews.com
