The district has so far recorded six confirmed cases of cholera, with health authorities suspecting Akado Dam as the likely source of contamination.
The Kitgum District Cholera Taskforce has indefinitely banned the use of water from Akado Dam in Lugwar Parish, Labongo Akwang Sub-county, following an outbreak of cholera in the area. The district has so far recorded six confirmed cases of cholera, with health authorities suspecting Akado Dam as the likely source of contamination.
The first case involved a 10-year-old boy from Lobene East Village, with five additional cases reported since. All are believed to have stemmed from poor sanitation practices, including the use of water from the dam, which is shared by both residents and animals.
In response, the task force has implemented several preventive measures. Residents have been prohibited from using the dam water for domestic or livestock purposes. Every household in the affected areas is required to construct a latrine to improve sanitation.
Communities are also being encouraged to regularly wash their hands, especially after using the latrine and before handling food. Additionally, the production, sale, and consumption of local alcoholic drinks such as kwete and punch have been suspended in the sub-county.
Jimmy Ssegawa Ebil, the Kitgum Resident District Commissioner and Chair of the Cholera District Taskforce, said water samples from Akado Dam have been dispatched to the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Kampala for analysis.
“The ban on Akado Dam water use is a precautionary measure to prevent further spread of cholera in Kitgum District. We are urging residents to cooperate with health officials and adhere to all guidelines to contain the outbreak,” Ebil said. “With these measures in place, we aim to mitigate the impact of the cholera outbreak.”
Titus Komakech, the District Surveillance Focal Person, reported that all the patients admitted to Kitgum General Hospital have responded well to treatment and have been discharged. “We have implemented several interventions in Labongo Akwang Sub-county, including compulsory latrine construction, drying rugs, and the installation of hand washing facilities,” Komakech said.
He emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure the health and safety of residents and to prevent further spread of the disease. Komakech added that the ban on dam usage and local brews will remain in effect until test results are received and the outbreak is under control.
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Opoka Denis
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