Kasese District Independence celebrations

From; E-Society

District celebrations of Uganda’s 52nd Independence anniversary shall be held this Thursday 9/10/2014 at Rwenzori square in Kasese Municipality.

Its will be celebrated under the theme:Unity, Peace, Security and Regional Integration: Key Pillars for True and Sustainable Independence

The Cheif Guest shall be, Maajor. Rtd. James Mwesigye,t he RDC of Kasese.

The function shall start at 8.30am with a parade pass match.

You are all invited

Marburg suspected in Kasese, Kampala and Mpigi

By;Samuel

Dr. Ibra Bwambale (Pictured below) succumbed to Murburg fever. Mengo Hosp. confirmed. Reports also indicated a brother to the deceased (after checks) indicated he had started showing the signs of the same disease. 

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
PRESS STATEMENT
5th October 2014

The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that there is a confirmed case of Marburg in the country.
This initial case follows laboratory tests done at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) on September 30th 2014 which confirmed that one person, a health worker, had died of the viral hemorrhagic fever.

The index case is a 30-year-old male Radiographer, who originally was working in Mpigi Health Centre IV, Mpigi Town Council but had been recruited by Mengo Hospital two month ago as a Radiographer. He started feeling unwell on September 17th while at Mengo Hospital and travelled back to Mpigi HCIV on September 18th to seek treatment since he felt more comfortable with a facility that he had worked with for a long time.

He was treated at Mpigi Health Center IV but when his condition worsened, he was transferred back to Mengo Hospital where he was admitted on September 23rd. He presented with Headache, Epistaxis, abdominal pain, vomiting blood and diarrhea. His condition deteriorated on September 27th and a Viral Haemorraghic fever was suspected. Blood samples were removed for further analysis on September 28th; unfortunately he died on the same day. His body was taken to Munkunyu 1 Village, Munkunyu Sub-county, Kasese district for burial.

Preliminary reports also show that his brother, one of the contacts so far listed has developed signs. He has been quarantined and isolated for further monitoring. Samples have been taken from him and are being tested at the Uganda Virus Research Institute. The public will be informed of his status. Altogether 80 contacts have been listed from Mengo, Mpigi and Kasese for follow up.

Marburg Viral Haemorraghic fever is a fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus which belongs to the filoviridae family together with the Ebola virus. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days while the Case fatality rates vary from 24% to 88%. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered to be the natural hosts of Marburg virus. The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from the fruit bats and spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission by

direct contact with wounds and body fluids like blood, saliva, vomitus, stool and urine of an infected person.

A person suffering from Marburg presents with sudden onset of high fever with any of the following;
1. Headache
2. Vomiting blood
3. Joint and muscle pains
4. Bleeding through the body openings, i.e. eyes, nose, gums, ears, anus and the skin.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available; patients are usually given supportive treatment.

The Ministry of Health is undertaking the following measures to control the spread of the disease;
• Yesterday, a team of epidemiologists and surveillance officers were sent to Mpigi Health Center IV, Mengo Hospital and to Kasese district to investigate the case and list all people who got into contact with the dead.
• So far, a total of 80 people who got into contact with the initial confirmed case have been identified and isolated as a precautionary measure and for follow up for any signs and symptoms within the 21 days incubation period. These include 38 health workers from Mengo Hospital, including his brother and 22 health workers from Mpigi Health Center IV and 20 people from Kasese district. They are currently being monitored by a team of epidemiologists from the Ministry of Health.
• Arrangements have been put in place to transport all suspect cases to the National Isolation Facility in Entebbe should they occur. The facility is already stocked with the necessary infection control materials and other supplies to handle any incoming patients.
• Arrangements have also been made at Mengo Hospital to isolate any suspect with symptoms. Health workers have been asked to effect all infection control measures.
• Preparations are underway to train all health workers at Mengo Hospital and Mpigi Health Center IV on infection control starting tomorrow 6/10/2014 at 9.00am
• Government working with partners and specifically Medicens San Frontiers (MSF) are in the process of revamping the isolation facility at Mulago National Referral Hospital under the leadership of Kampala Capital City Authority in readiness and the facility will be ready in three days time.
• MSF is also mobilizing additional resources to assist with infection control and case management at all the isolation facilities that have been set up.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing technical assistance and logistical support (PPE’s) to all the affected facilities.
• In Kasese, a team has been dispatched to work with the district official and Kagando Hospital to trace for any other suspects.
• Personal Protective Equipments (PPE’s) and other supplies have been mobilized and sent to Mengo and Mpigi health center IV and Kagando HCIV.
• National Medical Stores will supply additional infection control materials to Mengo Hospital and Mpigi HCIV by tomorrow morning.
The Ministry of Health however informs the general Public that Mengo Hospital is safe and all measures have been taken to ensure that there is no further spread of infection. Patients are encouraged to continue to receive services from there.
Ministry of Health urges the general public to observe the following protective measures;
• Report any suspected patient to a nearby health unit
• Avoid direct contact with body fluids of a person presenting with bleeding tendencies or symptoms of Marburg.
The Ministry of Health once again calls upon the public to remain calm and be on alert amidst this epidemic. All suspect cases can be reported on the Ministry hotline on +256750996034.

Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye
Minister of State for General Duties 

Rwenzururu to hold a week of prayer a head of the coronation celebrations

News by; Samuel, E-Society

Rwenzururu Kinddom has organized a week of prayers a head of the 48^th coronation anniversary celebrations. On visiting the Bishop of the catholic Diocese of Kasese Rt. Rev. Aquirinus Kibira has commended the organizing committee of the ceremony for organizing a week of prayer for peace a head of the coronation anniversary scheduled for 19^th Oct. 2014.

The Bishop made the remarks over the weekend while meeting some members on the organizing committee who visited at his home to brief him about the week of prayer for peace. Rt. Rev. Aquirinus Kibira commended the committee for putting God first before other activities.

The Bishop pledged his total support towards the success of the week of prayers and asked Christians to ensure that the day is a success
According to the Chairperson organizing committee Mr. Kitsumbire Thembo, the purpose of the week of prayer is to pray for peaceful co-existence in the Rwenzori sub region.

During the week of prayer, that begins on 10^th this month, all people across the Rwenzori region are asked to pray for peace in their different religious denominations.
The week of prayer shall be crowned on the coronation day as the different religious denomination leaders in Kasese shall preaching about peace.

This year’s coronation anniversary has been organized under the theme “consolidating the foundation for the development of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu”.

Munkunyu sec. school drives funds day

By; Sauel Mumbere

Hon Dr Chrispus  Kiyonga has helped raise 30 million shillings for Munkunyu senior secondary school. This was at a function held at the school on Sunday 21/9/2014. Kiyonga made a contribution of 3 million shillings.

Kiyonga who is the Minister of Defence and MP Bukonzo west commended the students of Munkunyu secondary school  for their good discipline displayed during the function. The students were orderly and assisted with lifting of items that were bought by the people attending the function. Kiyonga urged the students to study hard so that they are assured of a good future.

Observing that the NRM government had provided the basic facilities for the teaching of science, Kiyonga requested the secondary school head teachers in the district to ensure that the teaching of science was strengthened. Kiyonga expressed happiness that virtually all Government secondary schools in the district had science laboratories  and computer laboratories for teaching computer science to the students.

Referring to the tragic events of 5/7/2014 when over 100 people were killed in Bundibugyo, Ntoroko and Kasese, Kiyonga told the people the young people that went to attack an army barracks in Bundibugyo had been deceived that witchcraft would protect them from bullets. Kiyonga therefore told the students that they should always be guided by science and not witchcraft.

The Minister of Defence advised the people to be security conscious and avoid holding function at night. He advised religious groups to hold conventions during the day and not at night. According to Kiyonga terrorists like ADF could use explosives and kill people at such function. Kiyonga also warned against hawkers going deep into the villages,advising them instead to sell their goods in the trading centres. Kiyonga indicated that such people could use the pretext of hawking to collect intelligence for terrorist and rebel elements.

Elaborating on achievements of the NRM Kiyonga outlined

Affirmative action which has led to the fact that now in schools the number of girls is equal to the number of boys. In addition the NRM had improved roads healthcare,education,security and extended electricity to the villages. Kiyonga therefore urged the people to support President Museveni and the NRM

On wealth creation, Kiyonga once again appealed to the people to plant more coffee and mangoes. He illustrated that 1000 trees of the new BUKULIRO coffee can earn one 15 million shillings annually. Accordingly with such income parents would support the education of their children.

Due to the good discipline shown by the students, Kiyonga promised to return to the school at a later date and have a meal with them and give them further advice.

Rwenzururu Kingdom speaks on the recent Rwenzori region attacks

News by; E-Society
Story by; Makanika Edward
 

The Rwenzururu Kingdom leadership has today made its position on the 5^th July attacks during the stakeholders meeting called by the Rwenzururu Premier Rt. Hon. Noah Nzaghali at the Kasese district Mult-purpose hall in Kasese town.

The meeting Chaired by the Speaker of the House of representatives Rt. Hon. Enock Muhindo committed itself to ensure that peaceful co-existence between the people across the region prevails.

The Rwenzururu Kingdom regretted the 5^th July attacks in the Rwenzori region but also disassociated the Kingdom from the attacks adding that those who involved themselves in the attacks went there on their own.

The meeting also resolved that Government should also pardon those arrested in the attacks like it did to those who allegedly commanded the attacks. Another issue agreed upon was that Government should portray justice to all tribes across the region. 

The Mayor Kasese Municipality Godfrey Kabyanga gave some of the key resolutions the meeting agreed upon. 

Prince Christopher Kibanzanga attributed the 5^th attacks on lies adding that those who participated in the attacks were deceived and misled by people whom he said had selfish motives. He refuted allegations that they have been bought by Government adding that they have decided to talk the truth to save the Banyarwenzururu who are suffering as a result of the attacks.

Prince Kibanzanga however, said that he was happy that the Obusinga Bwarwenzururu has pronounced itself on the matter.

The Kasese district Chairperson Lt. Col. Mawa Muhindo observed that the Rwenzururu Kingdom has a lot of responsibilities it is supposed to do including re-focusing the people work hard for development. He also advised the Kingdom to establish an internal security with in the Kingdom to monitor and report wrong elements to Government such that peace and harmony can prevail in the Kingdom.

The meeting also enornemously agreed that this year’s coronation anniversary be commemorated despite the challenges in the Kingdom.

 
 









Rwenzururu Kingdom will tomorrow commemorate the day the 1^st. King Isaya Mukirania died. Prince Kibanzanga who had wished that the day be postponed because some of the Kingdom officials are still detained advised that the day can be commemorated at St. Paul’s Cathedral to pray for Peace and the souls of those who departed in the 5^th July attacks.

Railway metal stears arrested

By; Samuel Mumbere

E-Society

Police at Railway Police post has in detention two men for allegedly stealing chicken and scrap in Railway Ward.

Speaking to the OC railway police post this afternoon, Aggrey Kapere confirmed the information and identified the suspects as, one Zebedde Mumbere and Mohammad Muhindo, residents of Kikonzo cell in Railway Ward in Kasese Municipality.

Kapere said that the suspects were arrested after a tip off, and later discovered allegedly with three stolen chicken and metals belonging to a yet to be identified person.

He called on the vigilance of the landlord before renting their houses, lest, the security of the area was to be compromised.

He called on the local leaders to intensify their surveillance on the operations of the youth before the situation turns more worse.

Kapere, observed that the fact that cases of theft were on the increase, was a clear indication of reluctance on the part of the local leadership, parents and the community. 

Status on the floods that hit Karusandara sub county this month

By: CAO-Kasese

Rom: E-Society 

On 18^th August 2014, after a heavy rains, two rivers of Nyamwamba and Mubuku flooded affecting the population, property and infrastructure. So far, one person has drowned, two bridges washed away and over 464 households displaced; especially in Karusandara sub county in Kasese district in the parishes of Karusandara, Kibuga and Kanamba, and Mubuku II. The affected areas in Maliba Sub-County include Izinga, Katindo and Kakindo where several acres under crop were destroyed.   

River Nyamwamba

The affected areas are 8KMs away from Kasese town, which had been affected by the floods of May 1^st 2013 and on 8^th May 2014. Due heavy rain, floods occurred, caused by the huge amount of water that flowed from the mountain along the narrow course of the river. With the increase in the water levels, a temporary foot bridge that was connecting Bulembia division with Kilembe Sub County has been washed away. One person also drowned in the river and the dead body was recovered later.

There is need to continue monitoring the situation since this is the river that often caused the greatest havoc especially to the major infrastructure along the Kilembe mines; particularly Kilembe mines Hospital and Kasese municipality

River Mubuku

River Mubuku which hails from Rwenzori Mountain has so far affected three parishes in the sub county of karusandara. This is 30kms away from Kasese town. Over 464 household have been displaced in over thirteen villages.

The rapid assessment show the following estimated numbers for the households which have been affected.

S/N	Parish	NO. OF VILLAGES	NO. OF HHs DISPLACED	Estimated pop.
01	karusandara	2	41	246
03	kibuga	5	135	810
02	kanamba	6	288	1728
Total		13	464	2784

Effects of the floods

Ø  0ne person drowned in river Nyamwamba

Ø  464 homes have lost their household property and are displaced but staying with host families – friends and relatives.

Ø  The improvised Kyanzuki foot bridge has been swept away.

Ø  The Kisanyarazi – Karusandara road is  impassable (non motorable), only route to Karusandara is through Hima.

Interventions made

Ø  The dead body has been recovered and arrangements for burial in progress.

Ø  The displaced families were trying to look for accommodation from relatives and friends.

Ø  The District disaster committee together with Uganda Red Cross Society Kasese branch  has embarked on a rapid assessment exercise in Karusandara’ while monitoring the situation in other places of the district.

Ø  The police are patrolling the communities threatened by floods ready to rescue those who may be stranded.
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