Health officials in Luuka District are expressing concern over the poor sanitation in the area, which they believe could lead to an outbreak of Ebola.
Luuka District was created by an Act of Parliament and became functional on 1st July 2010. Prior to this, it was part of Luuka County in Iganga District. In Kisoga tradition, Luuka is one of the five traditional principalities of the Kingdom of Busoga. The district’s traditional ruler is known as the Tabingwa. The district is made up of the following sub-counties: Bukanga, Bukooma, Bulongo, Ikumbya, Irongo, Nawampiti, and Waibuga, as well as Kyanvuma Town Council and Bulanga Town Council.
In 2012, Luuka District had a total of 28 functional health facilities, which increased to 38 by 2018.
According to the Assistant District Health Officer, Hajjat Hidaya Nangobi, there is serious concern about the poor hygiene in many public places within the district. While monitoring various sub-counties and town councils today, Hajjat Nangobi found a public latrine at Bumana Trading Centre in Busalamu Subcounty in very poor condition.
She emphasized the importance of improving hygiene, starting with homes, as many households in the area lack proper latrines. She expressed concern, stating that this situation is a violation of the law, and vowed to take action against those who fail to comply with health regulations.
This issue arises amidst ongoing concerns over high maternal and child mortality rates in Luuka District, as well as cases of undernutrition and Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP).
Speaking with local leaders and residents, Pastor Mukwata John, a senior citizen of Bumana Trading Centre, and a medical officer by profession, placed the blame on the district and the health department for failing to address the sanitation problems. He argued that it is the responsibility of the health department to first encourage district officials to improve public latrines, which serve a large portion of the local population, before holding individuals accountable for their home sanitation.
Pastor Mukwata further stated that it would be difficult to ask local residents to construct proper latrines when they see the poor conditions of public facilities in their areas. He urged the district to take proactive steps to improve sanitation before enforcing punitive measures.
However, Pastor Mukwata also reminded the locals of the importance of promoting hygiene, starting with their children, and emphasized that good health begins with a healthy environment.
In an exclusive interview with the mayor of Kyanvuma Town Council, Mr. Muzilu Harunah, he also called for greater collaboration between the district health department and local government officials to raise awareness and provide sanitation education in villages and subcounties. He argued that arrests alone would not solve the issue. “Simply arresting someone does not guarantee the construction of a latrine. Sensitization and awareness programs are crucial in encouraging people to take responsibility for their hygiene,” he stated.
