Ancestors also play an important role in the lives of the Lugbara people of northwestern Uganda. Ancestors are held to communicate with the living and influence their fortunes. Secular functions of religion are also evident in the Ganda belief system, in which spirits reinforce the institution of kingship. While the kabaka is not considered to be descended from the gods, his skill as a leader is partly judged by his ability to defend his people from spiritual danger. Religion in the Tepeth society in northeastern Uganda also reinforces political values.
Authority is concentrated in the hands of a small group of priests and clan elders.
They admit men judged capable to a cult known as Sor. Sor initiates make sacrifices to enhance fertility, ensure adequate rainfall, and avoid disease. Men can also become members of a society of mediums or priests. Women receive spiritual communications regarding social ills, such as crimes, but are held to be incapable of seeing the spirits who communicate with them. Other Protestant churches, including Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, and Presbyterian churches, together claim fewer than 1 million members.