The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kyotera, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | With many anthrax patients abandoning treatment in hospital and disappearing, the Greater Masaka Regional Security Committee has issued orders for the arrest of a witch doctor who allegedly is luring them to her shrine.
The accused, Sylvia Nansamba, Chairperson of traditional healers in Rakai district, has been accused of targeting anthrax patients in Kyotera district. She purportedly convinces them to reject professional medical care in favor of seeking sorcery.
A security brief claims that Nansamba, with the aid of her agents, has been luring unsuspecting anthrax patients from Kyotera and Rakai districts to her shrine in Kimanya cell, on the outskirts of Masaka City.
Ahmed Kateregga, the Deputy Masaka City Resident Commissioner overseeing the Kimanya-Kabonera division, confirms reports indicating Nansamba’s attempts to mislead the community. Kateregga expressed concern over Nansamba’s actions, asserting that she is impeding ongoing interventions to prevent the disease’s further spread.
Kyotera district authorities have imposed a total ban on the movement and consumption of livestock and related products due to a confirmed anthrax outbreak that has affected both animals and humans. T
he disease has reportedly claimed 18 lives since last month, with at least 40 individuals hospitalized due to symptoms.
Reports suggest she and her associates are spreading misconceptions, linking the disease to theft or the consumption of stolen beef, falsely claiming bewitchment as the cause. The regional security committee has directed the police to apprehend Nansamba and her network, charging them for obstructing efforts to curb the spread of this lethal disease.
Additionally, the committee has instructed the police to heighten surveillance to prevent the illegal movement of livestock and related products from the restricted area. Efforts to contact Nansamba for comment were unsuccessful as calls to her known lines went unanswered.
Dr. John Lutaaya, the Kyotera District Veterinary Officer, confirms instructions given to parish surveillance committees to ensure strict adherence to all quarantine restrictions.
He emphasizes the need for reporting all anthrax-related animal deaths to ensure proper disposal of carcasses through burial or incineration. Meanwhile, Dr. Lutaaya awaits the allocation of vaccines from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry to conduct mass vaccinations for livestock against anthrax.
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