Irene's Journey: Healing Through Spirit Mediumship in Kampala
What I learned is: if a lubade wants your attention, it will find ways to hurt you. In my case, bamoyana made me drink in ways that threatened to destroy my life, but once I recognized him through participation in rituals and making offerings to him, I was able to stop drinking.
Ever wondered how different cultures tackle addiction? Meet Irene, a woman from Kampala, Uganda, whose path to recovery is anything but conventional. In this episode of 'I Closed the Depot: Addiction and Recovery in Kampala', Irene shares her unique journey of overcoming alcoholism through spirit mediumship and ritual offerings. Her story is a fascinating blend of traditional practices and spiritual beliefs, highlighting the diverse ways Ugandans address alcohol-related problems.
From herbal therapies to ancestral spirits, Irene's experiences reveal the deep cultural roots that influence recovery methods in Kampala. She emphasizes the power of community support and the importance of recognizing spiritual forces in the healing process. This episode is part of a larger research study conducted by Dr. China Scherz, George Mpanga, and Sarah Namirembe, funded by the University of Virginia and the National Science Foundation.
It offers a rare glimpse into the personal stories of those battling addiction in Uganda's suburbs. If you're curious about how different cultures approach recovery or seeking inspiration from unconventional methods, Irene's story is a must-listen.