Rita Nagayi a resident of Nansana, in Wakiso district lost her child a few days ago.
Nine-Year-old Elizabeth Nassanga died of cerebral palsy, which her mother believed was witchcraft.
Cerebral palsy is a disorder, resulting from an injury to the brain during fetal development or in infancy.
Infants with cerebral palsy are usually slow to reach developmental milestones such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking.
It is these symptoms that made Nagayi believe that her daughter succumbed to death as a result of witchcraft.
Nagayi says that her daughter was born normal just like any other children but she started acting strange, a few months later.
She says that Nassanga could no sit but would fall on her forehead each time she tried.
She says that, when Nasanga presented with these signs they believed spirits were disturbing their daughter and they resorted to services of a witch doctor, in Entebbe through a friend.
She however says that the situation persisted until, when she took Nasanga to Mulago hospital at about six months where she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Dr Steven Balyejusa, of department of pediatrics and child health Neurology at Mulago hospital says that children with celebral palsy get difficulty in swallowing, chewing and are easily choked, which demands that they only take fluids only or soft foods.
He says that the children present with signs of epilepsy, stiffness and never walk or do anything.
Richard Odoch an occupational therapist at Mulago hospital says that there are several parents with children suffering from cerebral palsy just like Nassanga.
He however, says that most parents are ignorant and have misconception about the disorder.
Odoch says that most parents only bring their children for treatment when it's too late to reverse the situation.
He says that situation is worsened by the fewer number of occupational therapists who would help treat the disorder.
There are only 15 occupational therapists in entire country.
