Cholera: Kiryandongo bans food vending in the refugee settlement

Kiryandongo district authorities have suspended hawking and vending of food until further notice in the refugee settlement.

The directive, which the authorities say is aimed at containing a cholera outbreak in the settlement, is contained in a statement dated February 18, 2025, released by the district communications officer, Emmanuel Murungi.

"The district taskforce would like to appeal to the general public to boil all drinking water and also wash their hands with clean water after using the toilet and before eating food, cook food thoroughly and eat while it's hot. Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water. Avoid eating cold food and cold packed drinks. The public is further urged to be vigilant and report any suspected cholera cases to the nearest health facility," the statement reads in part.

The directive follows the death of three people from cholera-related complications and eight active cases admitted at Panyadoli Health Centre IV.

Background

The outbreak was confirmed last week in the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, with four samples testing positive for cholera.

District health officer Christine Adda on February 18, said she has written to the health ministry requesting for immediate support to contain the outbreak.

"We need assistance to provide sanitation facilities and medical supplies to affected areas. We are also calling upon the people of Kiryandongo to follow the standard operating procedures put in place," Adda said during the taskforce meeting on Tuesday at the district headquarters.

The district has launched an investigation to identify the source of the contamination, with suspicions pointing to contaminated food or water.

Simon Opido, the surveillance focal person, noted that Cluster A in the refugee settlement has only one water point, and many residents lack latrine coverage.

Residents of Kiryandongo and the implementing partners have been called upon to support the district's efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene as one way of combating the outbreak.

District chairperson Edith Aliguma appealed to National Water and Sewerage Corporation and other partners to provide clean water to affected areas.

Different partners who attended the meeting emphasized the need for a scientific approach to addressing the outbreak and called for the closure of food selling points and vending in Kiryandongo settlement.

"The outbreak has affected sub-counties, including Mutunda and Bweyale Town Council. The district health authorities are working tirelessly to contain the situation and prevent further spread of the disease," Aliguma said.