President Yoweri Museveni has urged the Karamoja Sub-Region leadership to wage a campaign against killer diseases, like Hepatitis E, by encouraging every homestead to improve on hygiene especially in digging pit latrines that should also be furnished with proper covering lids.
The President explained that proper disposal of all human waste would people to avoid contracting Hepatitis E that is spread mainly by flies.
“This sickness affects the liver and we only have one liver unlike the kidneys that are 2. Once the liver is damaged, it will be a big problem for you,” he cautioned.
The President, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Janet Museveni, who is also the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, was yesterday addressing a rally at Karenga Boys’ Primary School in Napore County, Kaabong district in Karamoja Sub-Region.
The President added that other types of Hepatitis diseases, such as Hepatitis B, is mainly transmitted through body fluids and sharp objects.
He, therefore, called on the Public Broadcaster, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), to boost their signals in Karamoja Sub-Region to enable wananchi in the area including those in Napore to receive health messages that can help them stem avoidable diseases.
Mr. Museveni also cautioned the people of Karamoja Sub-Region to guard against another deadly disease, Marburg, by avoiding hand shaking while greeting.
“I call upon you to stop shaking hands, just wave to the people,” he advised.
Commenting on the issue of the wildlife corridor in Kidepo Valley National Park, the President reiterated his pledge to find an everlasting solution to the problem after exhaustively establishing facts about the corridor. Mr. Museveni, who began his speech by explaining to the gathering the 4 key opportunities available today for eradicating poverty, asked them to embrace modernization.
He particularly encouraged the people of Napore to exploit opportunities available in their area in the sectors of agriculture and tourism.
“You people here are very lucky. You have potential for the 3 sectors that include modern commercial farming, industries and services in a big scale because of Kidepo National Park that you have here. Kidepo is wealth as long as you keep it well. Tourists will come to you with money,” he said.
At the same occasion, the President was introduced to over 50 former warriors who ran to South Sudan to avoid the disarmament exercise and were convinced by the Resident District Commissioner of Kaabong to surrender their guns and return home.
They pledged to remain good citizens and join the rest of the Karimojong to develop not only their area but also Uganda as a whole. President Museveni donated to their SACCO Shs. 30 million to start productive life.
While welcoming the President to her area of juridiction, the Minister of Karamoja Affairs, Mrs. Janet Museveni, outlined the achievements the NRM government has registered in the region especially in the area of peace and food security, among many others, that has now made the Karimojong lead a settled life.
Earlier on arrival, the President commissioned Karenga water supply. Also present were the Ministers of State for Karamoja, Ms. Barbra Oundo Nekesa and that of Ethics Rev. Fr. Simon Lokodo.