On Tuesday, the Kotido District Security Committee resolved to evacuate the health workers to a safe place where they shall go on leave until the security situation improves or until the attacks on the workers cease.
Nine health workers from Napumpum Health Centre III and Kacheri Health
Centre III in Kotido District have been withdrawn following attacks on them by unknown people.
The health workers have been temporarily deployed to work at
Kotido Hospital.
On Tuesday, the Kotido District Security Committee resolved to evacuate the health workers to a safe place where they shall go on leave until the security situation improves or until the attacks on the workers cease.
Ambrose Onoria, the Resident District Commissioner Kotido,
says the evacuation of the health workers does not mean the closure of the health
services but an attempt to save the lives of health workers who have
continuously been targeted by armed gangs.
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On Monday, two health workers attached to Napumpum Health
Centre III escaped death when armed men attacked their residence in the night.
According to authorities, the armed men tried to break into the house but
failed.
Last week, an ambulance driver of Kacheri Health Centre III
survived death when armed men ambushed him. In December, gunmen attacked
Kacheri Health Centre III but were repulsed by security personnel. They also injured Dr Lomwogo a health worker attached to Panyangara health centre III in an
ambush.
Onoria said the community needs to appreciate the role of
health workers who are committed to service delivery. He also ruled out there
were any wrangles between the health workers and the community.
Onoria says the district security committee is now planning
to engage communities in Kotido on security matters especially on early warning
or threats and reporting mechanisms.
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The LCV Chairperson, Paul Lote has strongly condemned attacks by warriors on
the health personnel and other workers providing services to communities. He
has urged the public to report all security threats to the security organs.
John Bosco Akore, a resident of Napumpum Trading Centre has
appealed to the community to embrace peace such that development can
spur.
Stanley Ebele
Freelancer