Africa’s rainmakers face rising pressure from climate change
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Across parts of Africa, communities rely on traditional rainmakers, people believed to have spiritual power over rainfall, but increasingly erratic weather is challenging their role.
For generations, these rainmakers, often from specific clans, have performed rituals to bring rain, with the role passed down through families in countries like Uganda and South Sudan. However, as droughts become more frequent and severe due to climate change, farmers are placing immense pressure on rainmakers to deliver, sometimes with deadly consequences.
In recent years, at least two rainmakers in South Sudan have been killed by mobs blaming them for failing to produce rain. In 2024, Solomon Oture was buried alive, and in June, Albino Lobillia met the same fate. While Ugandan rainmakers haven’t faced such violence, they have experienced assault and accusations of fraud. Rainmakers themselves maintain their powers are genuine, using herbs and rituals to influence the weather. Despite the challenges, some villagers believe rainmakers still offer value.
Isaac Watenga of Namisindwa, Uganda, notes they attempt to bring rain even when conditions are difficult. Rainmaker David Nabutsilili says his work requires patience, and he appreciates the gratitude he receives when rain finally comes. Weyusya, an elder in Uganda, draws a parallel to scientific forecasting, acknowledging that predictions can fail, and that killing forecasters would be unacceptable.
