Integrating Tradition and Modernity: A Survey of Women's Use of Traditional Medicine in Uganda's Healthcare Landscape

This study examines the position of traditional medicine within Uganda’s contemporary healthcare system, focusing on women’s utilisation patterns and motivations. It addresses how women navigate indigenous and biomedical healthcare, a critical aspect of African health landscapes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected between 2021 and 2023 via a structured survey of 450 women across urban and rural districts, supplemented by focus group discussions. This methodology enabled the quantification of usage and qualitative exploration of decision-making processes. Key findings indicate that approximately 78% of respondents actively use traditional medicine, often concurrently with modern healthcare, primarily for chronic conditions, reproductive health, and cultural wellness practices. The analysis reveals this integration is driven by cultural affinity, perceived efficacy for specific ailments, accessibility, and cost considerations, rather than merely a lack of modern facilities. The study argues that women act as key custodians and strategic integrators of healthcare modalities, challenging dichotomies of tradition versus modernity. Its significance lies in providing empirical evidence for policy, advocating for a decolonised, inclusive health system that recognises and safely regulates traditional practice as a complementary resource, ultimately advancing women-centred healthcare.