statcounter

Thursday, November 29, 2012

We need a clear message on whether Luweero is Ebola-free or not

LETTERS

Recently, when news of an Ebola outbreak in Luweero District was announced, schools went on operating normally. When the school term ended, some health officials issued statements claiming that more deaths had been registered. The marking session of UNEB exams which was due to take place at Ndejje Secondary School was halted. Examiners from Luweero were ordered not to travel out of the district to participate in this year’s session lest they infect others.


Despite these knee-jerk reactions on the part of the officials, Luweero is normal. Weekly markets are vibrant and so are parties, concerts, etc. Taxis and buses transport people in and out of Luweero. Senior Four and Senior six exams have been going on smoothly.
Some deaths due to Ebola reported in the district have been vehemently denied by relatives of the deceased who insist their beloved died of other chronic ailments, claims vindicated by Mulago Hospital, that tested the victims and found them negative.
You will recall the swine flu outbreak two years ago in Luweero.’ It is alleged that some ‘healthy’ people were ordered to stay in bed until further notice. A medical personnel said he made a fortune during that period. I don’t wish to doubt the professional competence of medical officers. But I have witnessed two occasions in Luweero, a display of self-aggrandisement as medical personnel fight to be at the centre of managing ‘the outbreak’.   http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Letters/We-need-a-clear-message-on-whether-Luweero-is-Ebola-free-or-not/-/806314/1632870/-/fsymei/-/index.html