Cholera kills three in Kiryandongo, authorities call for support

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Cholera has reportedly claimed three people and affected several others in Kiryandongo district.

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

Kiryandongo district health officer Christine Adda says she has written to the health ministry requesting for immediate support to help the district overcome 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 task force meeting at the district headquarters on February 18, 2025.

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.

The district chairperson Edith Aliguma appealed to the 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 address 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.