In African politics, the rampant belief in witchcraft fortifies some and vexes others

MBALE, Uganda (AP) — Wilson Watira offered his hand when he met his political rival at a funeral, gesturing for a proper handshake. The man didn’t want contact, instead folding a piece of paper that he aimed at Watira.

“He looked at me and picked that piece of paper of the program. He folded it and greeted me,” Watira said. “He’s just afraid of me simply because I am not afraid of him.”

Watira, who seeks a seat in Uganda’s Parliament, remembered the recent event as a vivid example...