Historical and contemporary psychotherapy practices in Uganda

• The landscape of mental health care and psychosocial care in Uganda is characterized by psychological science-informed professionals and traditional/spiritual healers. • The former are considered competent from a scientific point of view while the latter work in the background and largely not recognized by the scientific community. • A history of colonial psychiatry and the hegemonic biomedical model have made it difficult to recognize the contribution of indigenous helpers in the treatment of mental health difficulties in Uganda. • Traditional healers or helpers serve the majority of the Ugandan populace with mental health and psychosocial difficulties. • The authors argue for cultural sensitivity and humility so that the probable benefits of indigenous healing practices can be leveraged.