Five people have been admitted in Kisoro hospital due a cholera outbreak at Bunagana border post. All the cholera victims are from Busanza Sub County that is found along the Uganda- Congo Boarder. Dr Steven Nsengiyunva, the District Medical Officer Kisoro says that they suspect the disease could have been brought into the area by Congolese refugees fleeing from renewed clashes in their country.
He says that the admitted patients are responding well to treatment. Nsengiyunva says they are considering separating the refugees who are arriving from those already in the camps to prevent further infections. Mustafa Doka, Kisoro Resident District Commissioner blames residents who have always welcomed the refugees into their homes instead of encouraging them to go to the reception centre.
He says the cholera infection may worsen as a result of congestion in homes due to poor sanitation. Doka appeals to Uganda Red Cross Society at Nyakabande Reception center to ensure maximum hygiene in an effort to avoid a cholera outbreak in the camp. Johnson Kyomukama, the Kisoro Red Cross Branch Manager says they are working hard to ensure they put in place separate facilities for the new arrivals.
But some of the refugees say the situation at the reception center is appalling because of congestion and sharing household equipment such as basins and saucepans. Anatoli Mananimwiza, one of the refugees is worried the disease may also break out at the centre as the toilets are very dirty.
She says that the refugees shift the responsibility of cleaning the toilets on each other, leaving the toilets very dirty. Nsabimana Ntwali, another refugee at the reception centre says the situation is alarming, urging authorities to work hard towards ensuring better hygiene at the Reception Centre.
