Africa’s elderly face deadly witchcraft accusations – and dementia is making it worse

Allegations of witchcraft lead to beatings, banishment and even death

Source; News World Africa, Tuesday 02 September 2025 09:35 BST

Fredianah Tibeijuka, a witch doctor in her 70s who says she was born with a gift to heal, sits in her home in Muhanga, Uganda (AP)

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An 81-year-old woman was brutally beaten by her neighbours in Uganda, who accused her of witchcraft and blamed her for a prolonged drought.

Ayder Kanyomushana, a stooped octogenarian, became the target of desperate villagers after months of dry fields left their onion, potato, and bean crops withered.

Her attackers believed that the pain inflicted upon her would force tears, which in turn would bring the much-needed rain.