Is turmeric just ginger?

No, turmeric and ginger are different spices. Curry usually has turmeric in it, but you'd have to eat a TON of it to get enough that it might help your UC.

When I make my own curry my gut is always happy. You can buy fresh turmeric in some specialty grocery stores, be careful because it stains when peeled. I cook with fresh ginger often.

The studies that showed improvement with turmeric intake used capsules and a pretty high amount of turmeric. But using smaller amounts in cooking would not be a bad way to see if your gut responds to it positively. And it's healthy for your body in non-huge amounts. Both ginger and turmeric/curcumin are anti-inflammatory.