Drought bites northern Uganda
from MONITOR ONLINE
GuluFollowing a lull in war in northern Uganda in the last three years, Mr Nicholas Obita returned to his village in Bwobo, Manun Parish, Alero Sub-county in Amuru District. A place he considers a safe haven because of its fertile soils.Like many farmers, Mr Obita embarked on agriculture both for consumption and commercial purposes with hope of getting a good harvest.However, the peaceful sanctuary has turned into the scene of catastrophe as he watches his crops waste away due to drought.“Three months ago, I hired a tractor and opened up over 15 acres for different crops. I planted maize in an eight- acre piece of land and I was expecting to get over 200 bags but the rain has let me down. I am headed for a total loss,” Mr Obita says.He says the wet season that usually lasts between March and June disappeared too soon and the rain was too little to sustain the crops. Mr Obita is one of the farmers in northern Uganda who were determined to forget about squalid living conditions they experienced in camps and concentrate on farming.Their dreams of having a good harvest are fading away as the drought continues to bite hard. Mr Albert Okwera, a lead farmer in Pawel Parish in Gulu District, said the dry spell has destroyed 120 acres of crops. He says last year he earned Shs6 million from the sale of sweet potatoes but that might not be possible this year. “I decided to increase the acres and planted more crops this year. I was hoping to get a good harvest and earn more money. The rice that I planted three months ago has failed to grow,” he explained. Gulu Resident District Commissioner Walter Ochora, who is a commercial farmer in Amuru District, is also feeling the pinch of the dry spell. He says the sun has destroyed his 100 acres of maize crop.Mr Ochora says it is important that farmers resort to planting perennial crops like cow peas, which are drought resistant to minimise vulnerability in case of a crisis like the current one which is causing distress in many parts of the country.Ms Christine Aber, who belongs to a farmers’ group in Kitgum District, says at the beginning of the year the group planted over 10 acres of groundnuts but the crops have succumbed to the scorching sun. “My children are starving, I sell charcoal to buy food, if people don’t buy the charcoal I don’t get money for food,” she says. This nightmare scenario is the reality for farmers of northern Uganda.Climate change is bringing huge challenges. In a bid to address the challenge the Agriculture and Fisheries State Minister, Mr Fred Mukisa, says the government has allocated Shs5 billion for the development of irrigation schemes in selected parts of the country.Mr Mukisa explains that the project, which comes at a time when many parts of the country are experiencing drought because of climatic changes, is expected to benefit farmers in rural areas across the country.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
NEWS: Food shortage hits 52 districts
Food shortage hits 52 districts
Wednesday, 15th July, 2009
SEVENTEEN districts in the north and northeastern Uganda are experiencing famine, the Prime Minister, Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, told Parliament yesterday. He said 52 districts countrywide were faced with food insecurity. Nsibambi categorised the food crisis in three levels; famine, acute food shortage and moderate food shortage. He was contributing to the debate on the recent State of the Nation address by President Museveni. Famine, he said, was being experienced in Amuria, Katakwi, Kaberamaido, Bukedea, Kumi, Soroti, Bukwo, Adjumani, Arua, Koboko, Moyo, Yumbe, Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong, Nakapiripirit and Abim. The Prime Minister told the House presided over by the deputy Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, that acute food shortage was being experienced in 31 districts, while four districts faced moderate food shortage. He named persistent poor agricultural performance in Karamoja, the continued stay of people in internally displaced person’s camps in Acholi and Adjumani, the impact of the 2007 floods in Teso and dry conditions along the cattle corridor as the major causes. Nsibambi said the Government released sh10b in June and another sh10b for food relief. He added that the department of relief and disaster preparedness and refugees needed an additional sh30b to alleviate the situation. Nsibambi pointed out that the National Agricultural Advisory Services was distributing free maize, sorghum seeds, cassava cuttings and farming implements, including hand hoes and fertilisers, to the affected households. He noted the need to shift from reliance on rain-fed agriculture to irrigation and tapping gravitational water from Sipi falls off Mt. Elgon for irrigation in Teso and Karamoja. He announced that sh5b had been allocated for irrigation systems and that $100m (about sh200b) was being secured from the Islamic Bank to support the scheme. Nsibambi said the Cabinet, chaired by President Museveni, had on Wednesday deliberated on the food security issues. “I have requested the Minister of Local Government to use Section 95 of the Local Government Act to direct districts to make ordinances (bye-laws) which will compel homesteads to maintain granaries for food storage,” he stated. He said climate change, increasing occurrences of extreme weather and climate variability like droughts, floods, hailstorms, heat waves were caused by an accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Seasons, he said, had become erratic and difficult to predict. “While advancement in technology had made it possible to predict climate six months in advance, it is still difficult to predict the distribution of rainfall over seasons,” he said. In Uganda, the rainy season had not performed according to the forecasts, Nsibambi added. He noted that security situation in the north and north eastern Uganda had normalised.
Wednesday, 15th July, 2009
SEVENTEEN districts in the north and northeastern Uganda are experiencing famine, the Prime Minister, Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, told Parliament yesterday. He said 52 districts countrywide were faced with food insecurity. Nsibambi categorised the food crisis in three levels; famine, acute food shortage and moderate food shortage. He was contributing to the debate on the recent State of the Nation address by President Museveni. Famine, he said, was being experienced in Amuria, Katakwi, Kaberamaido, Bukedea, Kumi, Soroti, Bukwo, Adjumani, Arua, Koboko, Moyo, Yumbe, Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong, Nakapiripirit and Abim. The Prime Minister told the House presided over by the deputy Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, that acute food shortage was being experienced in 31 districts, while four districts faced moderate food shortage. He named persistent poor agricultural performance in Karamoja, the continued stay of people in internally displaced person’s camps in Acholi and Adjumani, the impact of the 2007 floods in Teso and dry conditions along the cattle corridor as the major causes. Nsibambi said the Government released sh10b in June and another sh10b for food relief. He added that the department of relief and disaster preparedness and refugees needed an additional sh30b to alleviate the situation. Nsibambi pointed out that the National Agricultural Advisory Services was distributing free maize, sorghum seeds, cassava cuttings and farming implements, including hand hoes and fertilisers, to the affected households. He noted the need to shift from reliance on rain-fed agriculture to irrigation and tapping gravitational water from Sipi falls off Mt. Elgon for irrigation in Teso and Karamoja. He announced that sh5b had been allocated for irrigation systems and that $100m (about sh200b) was being secured from the Islamic Bank to support the scheme. Nsibambi said the Cabinet, chaired by President Museveni, had on Wednesday deliberated on the food security issues. “I have requested the Minister of Local Government to use Section 95 of the Local Government Act to direct districts to make ordinances (bye-laws) which will compel homesteads to maintain granaries for food storage,” he stated. He said climate change, increasing occurrences of extreme weather and climate variability like droughts, floods, hailstorms, heat waves were caused by an accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Seasons, he said, had become erratic and difficult to predict. “While advancement in technology had made it possible to predict climate six months in advance, it is still difficult to predict the distribution of rainfall over seasons,” he said. In Uganda, the rainy season had not performed according to the forecasts, Nsibambi added. He noted that security situation in the north and north eastern Uganda had normalised.
NEWS: Arua in plague outbreak alert
Arua in plague outbreak alert
from MONITOR ONLINE
The community in Arua District has been put on high alert over an outbreak of a deadly bubonic plague disease that killed 17 people last year. In this regard, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Arua health team launched a campaign on Friday to sensitise the community on causes, signs and symptoms and prevention of the deadly disease. The District Health Officer, Dr Patrick Anguzu, said the campaign is a precautionary measure in case of any outbreak. “Our community must keep their environment clean especially the houses because the rats that transmit the disease thrive in unclean environment.” In bubonic plague, the most common form, bacteria infects the lymph system and becomes inflamed. The lymph or lymphatic system is a major component of the body’s immune system. Dr Anguzu told Daily Monitor that no new case of the disease has yet been reported in the district this year. Last years’ statistics from Arua health office indicate that 73 cases of human infections and 17 deaths were reported, the highest figure in two years. Dr Anguzu added that 29 cases have since been confirmed to be of bubonic strain. “This is the season that we highly suspect the outbreak of the disease. So we need to keep the community on alert,” he added. Within three to seven days of exposure to the plague bacteria, a person develops flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, weakness, and swollen, tender lymph glands. The community sensitisation campaign is being carried out in the disease prone areas of Vurra and Logiri. But even then, the surrounding area of Kango Sub-county in Nebbi, which borders Logiri, must not be left out. Historically, the bubonic plague is reported to have originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo especially from Aru and Ariwara. The campaign, Dr Anguzu said, is aimed at educating residents who keep pets like cats, which are also susceptible to plague. In this case, infected cats become sick and may directly transmit plague to people who handle or care for them.
from MONITOR ONLINE
The community in Arua District has been put on high alert over an outbreak of a deadly bubonic plague disease that killed 17 people last year. In this regard, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Arua health team launched a campaign on Friday to sensitise the community on causes, signs and symptoms and prevention of the deadly disease. The District Health Officer, Dr Patrick Anguzu, said the campaign is a precautionary measure in case of any outbreak. “Our community must keep their environment clean especially the houses because the rats that transmit the disease thrive in unclean environment.” In bubonic plague, the most common form, bacteria infects the lymph system and becomes inflamed. The lymph or lymphatic system is a major component of the body’s immune system. Dr Anguzu told Daily Monitor that no new case of the disease has yet been reported in the district this year. Last years’ statistics from Arua health office indicate that 73 cases of human infections and 17 deaths were reported, the highest figure in two years. Dr Anguzu added that 29 cases have since been confirmed to be of bubonic strain. “This is the season that we highly suspect the outbreak of the disease. So we need to keep the community on alert,” he added. Within three to seven days of exposure to the plague bacteria, a person develops flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, weakness, and swollen, tender lymph glands. The community sensitisation campaign is being carried out in the disease prone areas of Vurra and Logiri. But even then, the surrounding area of Kango Sub-county in Nebbi, which borders Logiri, must not be left out. Historically, the bubonic plague is reported to have originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo especially from Aru and Ariwara. The campaign, Dr Anguzu said, is aimed at educating residents who keep pets like cats, which are also susceptible to plague. In this case, infected cats become sick and may directly transmit plague to people who handle or care for them.
NEWS: Uganda Heart Institute becomes independent
Uganda Heart Institute becomes independent
from MONITOR ONLINE
A 40-bed in-patient heart institute, to engage in preventive, curative, educational, rehabilitation and research activities on cardiac diseases has been opened in Mulago Hospital.
The Uganda Heart Institute, which boosts a 12- bed intensive care unit, has been curved out of the hospital.
According to Dr John Omagino, the director of the institute, important aspects like specific training to become a cardiac surgeon and promotional benefits which were ignored while still under Mulago, are to be considered. The institute will offer diagnostic services, surgery and training of staff from different institutions like Makerere University, Kampala International and Nsambya hospitals among others.
On average, it receives 100 patients a day. Though the institute had always been carrying out different types of surgeries, it received public recognition in 2007 after a successful open heart surgery that saw the President Museveni visit it. Last month, the institute carried out the successful heart operation of 102-year-old Ssebowa.
An open heart surgery is between $500-700 (about Shs1 million – Shs 1.5 million) while a closed one is $1,500 (about Shs3 million). Though it has become a separate entity, Dr Omagino assures of its continued relationship with Mulago Hospital.
from MONITOR ONLINE
A 40-bed in-patient heart institute, to engage in preventive, curative, educational, rehabilitation and research activities on cardiac diseases has been opened in Mulago Hospital.
The Uganda Heart Institute, which boosts a 12- bed intensive care unit, has been curved out of the hospital.
According to Dr John Omagino, the director of the institute, important aspects like specific training to become a cardiac surgeon and promotional benefits which were ignored while still under Mulago, are to be considered. The institute will offer diagnostic services, surgery and training of staff from different institutions like Makerere University, Kampala International and Nsambya hospitals among others.
On average, it receives 100 patients a day. Though the institute had always been carrying out different types of surgeries, it received public recognition in 2007 after a successful open heart surgery that saw the President Museveni visit it. Last month, the institute carried out the successful heart operation of 102-year-old Ssebowa.
An open heart surgery is between $500-700 (about Shs1 million – Shs 1.5 million) while a closed one is $1,500 (about Shs3 million). Though it has become a separate entity, Dr Omagino assures of its continued relationship with Mulago Hospital.
NEWS: Amuru grapples with doctor shortage
Amuru grapples with doctor shortage
from MONITOR ONLINE
All through the peak of insurgency in northern Uganda, Esther Achen, 54, spent two decades in Amuru District, the epicentre of armed conflict, serving as a midwife at Anaka Hospital. Ms Achen, who comes from the neighbouring Lango sub-region in Apac District, persevered and did not quit her job, risking possible abduction by the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels. Her motivation was to serve fellow displaced persons, the poor and helpless, who did not have any other specialised medical worker to attend to them, or had difficulty accessing a doctor while in the camps.Unfortunately, she suffered a severe stroke in 2001 while at the hospital attending to patients. The stroke paralysed both her limbs, leaving her physically impaired.Knowing she would not even get much help at her home in Apac, due to poor health services, Ms Achen preferred to stay at Anaka Hospital where she is well known and could access some medical help. “My mother is too old to take care of me, and my sisters have all died. I prefer here because my husband has been supportive,” she says.To keep alive, the retired midwife needs the attention and support of a specialist in physiotherapy. However, Amuru District Health Officer (DHO) is worried that doctors to attend to patients like Ms Achen are lacking in the district.Other than people who suffer strokes, the over two decades armed conflict in the region has created unprecedented levels of trauma, but like in the case of Ms Achen, these people need more doctors and physiotherapists.The officer in charge of physiotherapy department at Anaka Hospital, Mr Paul Otit, said last week during the hand over of orthopedic equipment worth Shs25 million that more patients are reporting to the hospital. “We have been receiving 20-30 patients on a monthly basis,” he said.Mr Otit observed that more women in the district were suffering physical impairment compared to men because of the heavy domestic work women are subjected to. “Heavy workload without enough rest, has made many women become victims of impairment,” he explained.Amuru DHO, Dr Patrick Odong Olwedo said:“Medical personnel remains a challenge in the hospital, we urge the Ministry of Health for support.” He said Amuru has only one psychotherapist instead of four, and one doctor instead of six.
from MONITOR ONLINE
All through the peak of insurgency in northern Uganda, Esther Achen, 54, spent two decades in Amuru District, the epicentre of armed conflict, serving as a midwife at Anaka Hospital. Ms Achen, who comes from the neighbouring Lango sub-region in Apac District, persevered and did not quit her job, risking possible abduction by the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels. Her motivation was to serve fellow displaced persons, the poor and helpless, who did not have any other specialised medical worker to attend to them, or had difficulty accessing a doctor while in the camps.Unfortunately, she suffered a severe stroke in 2001 while at the hospital attending to patients. The stroke paralysed both her limbs, leaving her physically impaired.Knowing she would not even get much help at her home in Apac, due to poor health services, Ms Achen preferred to stay at Anaka Hospital where she is well known and could access some medical help. “My mother is too old to take care of me, and my sisters have all died. I prefer here because my husband has been supportive,” she says.To keep alive, the retired midwife needs the attention and support of a specialist in physiotherapy. However, Amuru District Health Officer (DHO) is worried that doctors to attend to patients like Ms Achen are lacking in the district.Other than people who suffer strokes, the over two decades armed conflict in the region has created unprecedented levels of trauma, but like in the case of Ms Achen, these people need more doctors and physiotherapists.The officer in charge of physiotherapy department at Anaka Hospital, Mr Paul Otit, said last week during the hand over of orthopedic equipment worth Shs25 million that more patients are reporting to the hospital. “We have been receiving 20-30 patients on a monthly basis,” he said.Mr Otit observed that more women in the district were suffering physical impairment compared to men because of the heavy domestic work women are subjected to. “Heavy workload without enough rest, has made many women become victims of impairment,” he explained.Amuru DHO, Dr Patrick Odong Olwedo said:“Medical personnel remains a challenge in the hospital, we urge the Ministry of Health for support.” He said Amuru has only one psychotherapist instead of four, and one doctor instead of six.
NEWS: Cholera kills two in Busia
Cholera kills two in Busia
from MONITOR ONLINE
Two people in Busia have died of cholera. Four others are undergoing treatment at Busia Red Cross Health Unit IV, Daily Monitor has learnt.One of the deceased was identified as Ibrahim Ojuku, who died on July 10. The other who was not be identified by press time reportedly died at Majengo Private Clinic in Busia. Officials at the clinic denied the death claims but eye witnesses confirmed it to Daily Monitor.The District Health Officer, Dr Oundo Bwire, confirmed the outbreak of the disease over the weekend. Dr Bwire said specimen have been taken to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for examination.The officer- in-charge of the Red Cross Health Centre IV, Mr Wabwire Omolo named those undergoing treatment as Thabe Nambozo, a student of Manafa Secondary School in Manafwa District and Joyce Phiant, a student of St. John Secondary School in Busia. Others are Florence Akumu, Wycliffe Lubezi and one called Kafiri. Mr Omolo said the affected areas are Arubaine, Nangwe, Custom, villages,all in Busia Town Council. Mr Wabwire said although the conditions of the patients have improved, they cannot be discharged for fear that they will spread the disease.Residents accused town council authorities of failure to collect garbage, leading to the spread of the disease. However, the mayor, Mr Michael Mugeni, denied the accusations, saying he had improved hygiene in the town, which according to him was in a poor state when he came to office.
from MONITOR ONLINE
Two people in Busia have died of cholera. Four others are undergoing treatment at Busia Red Cross Health Unit IV, Daily Monitor has learnt.One of the deceased was identified as Ibrahim Ojuku, who died on July 10. The other who was not be identified by press time reportedly died at Majengo Private Clinic in Busia. Officials at the clinic denied the death claims but eye witnesses confirmed it to Daily Monitor.The District Health Officer, Dr Oundo Bwire, confirmed the outbreak of the disease over the weekend. Dr Bwire said specimen have been taken to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for examination.The officer- in-charge of the Red Cross Health Centre IV, Mr Wabwire Omolo named those undergoing treatment as Thabe Nambozo, a student of Manafa Secondary School in Manafwa District and Joyce Phiant, a student of St. John Secondary School in Busia. Others are Florence Akumu, Wycliffe Lubezi and one called Kafiri. Mr Omolo said the affected areas are Arubaine, Nangwe, Custom, villages,all in Busia Town Council. Mr Wabwire said although the conditions of the patients have improved, they cannot be discharged for fear that they will spread the disease.Residents accused town council authorities of failure to collect garbage, leading to the spread of the disease. However, the mayor, Mr Michael Mugeni, denied the accusations, saying he had improved hygiene in the town, which according to him was in a poor state when he came to office.
NEWS: Teso leaders ask government for more food relief
Teso leaders ask government for more food relief
Leaders in Teso sub-region, which is currently experiencing famine, have appealed for more food aid as hunger stalks more people.
During celebrations to mark the World Population Day over the weekend in Katakwi, one of the districts worst-hit by the famine, the district chairperson, Mr Robert Ekongot, said the situation was not getting any better. “What we need at this material point in time is more emergency food relief to save the population from hunger,” he said.
According to Mr Ekongot, the food insecurity in the region has largely been a result of external factors and not laziness as has been indicated by some leaders.
Although the government has responded by allocating Shs20 billion to buy relief food, it says it will need up to Shs170 billion to feed the most vulnerable people.
Mr Ekongot said the government should instead invest in long term solutions to address the situation including setting up irrigation schemes that will improve agricultural production even in times of drought.
The World Population Day was marked under the theme, “Empowering Communities to Overcome the Challenges of Poverty.’’ The acting Director of the Population Secretariat, Mr Charles Zirarema, said the celebrations were taken to Katakwi District to raise awareness about poverty that is rife in Teso region.
On Monday, Amuria District chairperson Julius Ochen told Daily Monitor that the situation was still grim as food aid that was delivered has not reached all sub-counties. As a result, he said, most families had resorted to eating wild leaves which are also posing a health threat.
“We visited Ajel village in Acowa Sub-county where we found some families had developed running stomachs after eating some wild leaves,” Mr Ochen said. He said children and women are particularly more vulnerable to the famine which has so far claimed 12 lives in the region since May.
According to Mr Ochen, the 200 bags of maize grain given to each sub-county is not enough to meet the food needs of the people. “This food aid can only last a few days before it gets finished. The government needs to come up with a way of increasing the food ration given to the residents,” he said.
Leaders in Teso sub-region, which is currently experiencing famine, have appealed for more food aid as hunger stalks more people.
During celebrations to mark the World Population Day over the weekend in Katakwi, one of the districts worst-hit by the famine, the district chairperson, Mr Robert Ekongot, said the situation was not getting any better. “What we need at this material point in time is more emergency food relief to save the population from hunger,” he said.
According to Mr Ekongot, the food insecurity in the region has largely been a result of external factors and not laziness as has been indicated by some leaders.
Although the government has responded by allocating Shs20 billion to buy relief food, it says it will need up to Shs170 billion to feed the most vulnerable people.
Mr Ekongot said the government should instead invest in long term solutions to address the situation including setting up irrigation schemes that will improve agricultural production even in times of drought.
The World Population Day was marked under the theme, “Empowering Communities to Overcome the Challenges of Poverty.’’ The acting Director of the Population Secretariat, Mr Charles Zirarema, said the celebrations were taken to Katakwi District to raise awareness about poverty that is rife in Teso region.
On Monday, Amuria District chairperson Julius Ochen told Daily Monitor that the situation was still grim as food aid that was delivered has not reached all sub-counties. As a result, he said, most families had resorted to eating wild leaves which are also posing a health threat.
“We visited Ajel village in Acowa Sub-county where we found some families had developed running stomachs after eating some wild leaves,” Mr Ochen said. He said children and women are particularly more vulnerable to the famine which has so far claimed 12 lives in the region since May.
According to Mr Ochen, the 200 bags of maize grain given to each sub-county is not enough to meet the food needs of the people. “This food aid can only last a few days before it gets finished. The government needs to come up with a way of increasing the food ration given to the residents,” he said.
N EWS: Hepatitis E deaths, infections increase
Hepatitis E deaths, infections increase
from MONITOR ONLINE
Two more people at the close of last week died of the Hepatitis E virus in Kitgum District, the weekly surveillance report has revealed. The development brings the cumulative number of deaths to 162 since the epidemic broke out in October 2007.
The District Surveillance Officer, Mr Obote M. Odwar told Daily Monitor yesterday that 47 people acquired Hepatitis E last week compared to 24 in the previous week.
“The total number of cases of Hepatitis E virus comes to 10,243 since the onset of the epidemic in October 2007 and of the established deaths, 72 per cent are females,” Mr Odwar said.
He added: “The most affected age group is that of between 20-24 years and of all the registered cases, 62 per cent are females.” Hardly a week ago, the government and the World Health Organisation launched a Shs10 billion programme to bring the epidemic to an end but this has not helped matters.
The WHO that has been supporting the district’s Hepatitis E taskforce, in its recent statements said there is a drastic decline in the infection rate in Kitgum, a report the authorities in the district dispute.
The report infact reveals that there was a 96 per cent increase of newly-registered cases during the week compared to 33 per cent in the previous week.
Sub-counties that registered the highest number of new cases are Lukung (8), Mucwini (6), Padibe West, Palabek Gem and Kitgum Matidi with 5 new cases each.
Mr John Odur, a resident of Kitgum Matidi, one of the sub-counties still prone to the disease, attributes the persistence of the epidemic to negligence.“The communities have turned a deaf ear to health messages and the leaders have also become relaxed in its fight,” Mr Odur observed.
Hepatitis E is an acute viral disease that can cause liver failure.The virus is transmitted to humans through consumption of drink or food contaminated with faecal matter. It can kill within a week if not controlled in time.
from MONITOR ONLINE
Two more people at the close of last week died of the Hepatitis E virus in Kitgum District, the weekly surveillance report has revealed. The development brings the cumulative number of deaths to 162 since the epidemic broke out in October 2007.
The District Surveillance Officer, Mr Obote M. Odwar told Daily Monitor yesterday that 47 people acquired Hepatitis E last week compared to 24 in the previous week.
“The total number of cases of Hepatitis E virus comes to 10,243 since the onset of the epidemic in October 2007 and of the established deaths, 72 per cent are females,” Mr Odwar said.
He added: “The most affected age group is that of between 20-24 years and of all the registered cases, 62 per cent are females.” Hardly a week ago, the government and the World Health Organisation launched a Shs10 billion programme to bring the epidemic to an end but this has not helped matters.
The WHO that has been supporting the district’s Hepatitis E taskforce, in its recent statements said there is a drastic decline in the infection rate in Kitgum, a report the authorities in the district dispute.
The report infact reveals that there was a 96 per cent increase of newly-registered cases during the week compared to 33 per cent in the previous week.
Sub-counties that registered the highest number of new cases are Lukung (8), Mucwini (6), Padibe West, Palabek Gem and Kitgum Matidi with 5 new cases each.
Mr John Odur, a resident of Kitgum Matidi, one of the sub-counties still prone to the disease, attributes the persistence of the epidemic to negligence.“The communities have turned a deaf ear to health messages and the leaders have also become relaxed in its fight,” Mr Odur observed.
Hepatitis E is an acute viral disease that can cause liver failure.The virus is transmitted to humans through consumption of drink or food contaminated with faecal matter. It can kill within a week if not controlled in time.
Friday, July 10, 2009
NEWS: Two million people at risk of starvation
Two million people at risk of starvation
Friday, 10th July, 2009 from NEW VISION
Friday, 10th July, 2009 from NEW VISION
OVER two million people in North, Eastern and West Nile are at risk of starvation, the Uganda Red Cross has announced. The agency yesterday stated that Kitgum, Katakwi, Bukedea, Kumi, Soroti, Amuria, Koboko, Adjumani, Nebbi, Arua and parts of Kibaale are the worst hit areas. Michael Nataka, the Uganda Red Cross secretary general, yesterday attributed the famine to prolonged draught, out of season planting, the ripple effect of the 2007 floods that ravaged Eastern Uganda and changes in weather patterns. The statement follows an evaluation tour of the affected areas. “In some areas where farmers planted early, the crops were thriving. But you find in the same village crops are withering in other gardens because people planted late,” Nataka stated. “The region has never recovered from the flooding, which affected the cycle of storing seeds. There is also lack of adequate information about the weather. People are relying on seasons that have since changed.” Children, elderly, sick and the children-headed households are the worst hit individuals, according to Nataka. Accordingly, the agency has launched an emergency appeal for sh5.6bn to feed 50,000 people. The Red Cross plans to raise 3030 metric tones of food to provide relief in the hunger-stricken areas. Well-wishers may deposit monies on Standard Chartered Bank account number 0108213406906 while others may contribute food in kind. The Red Cross, however, noted that the deaths recorded in the affected areas were not as a direct result of hunger. For example, in Adwari, Lira district six people who succumbed to HIV/AIDS and another four who died of old age had been attributed to hunger. The URCS chairman, Tom Buruku disclosed that should the local appeal not hit the target, they would turn to international organizations and donors. Describing the appeal as a “fire-fighting approach”, he demanded that the Parliament discusses the National Disaster policy that was formulated last year. “There is a need for a long-term plan to address these issues,” he observed, adding that an appeal for funds would be needed every year if nothing was done. URCS, he added, had provided its store in Ntinda, a city suburb where the donations in kind would be stored before dispatch. Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Bildard Baguma said that they would first focus on the worst his areas before rolling out to other areas.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
RESOURCE: In depth and fascinating account of Uganda's 20 year "forgotten war"
FIRST KILL YOUR FAMILY
- Child Soldiers of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army
by Peter Eichstaedt
"Richard Opio has neither the look of a cold-blooded killer nor the heart of one. Yet as his mother and father lay on the ground with their hands tied, Richard used the blunt end of an ax to crush their skulls. He was ordered to do this by a unit commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army, a rebel group that has terrorized northern Uganda for twenty years. The memory racks Richard’s slender body as he wipes away tears.”
With these words, Peter Eichstaedt (a veteran journalist who has reported from locations worldwide, including Slovenia, Moldova, Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, and Uganda, and a former senior editor for Uganda Radio Network) begins his fascinating and heart wrenching account of Uganda's "forgotten war". For more than twenty years, beginning in the mid-1980s, the Lord’s Resistance Army has ravaged northern Uganda. Tens of thousands have been slaughtered, and thousands more mutilated and traumatized. At least 1.5 million people have been driven from a pastoral existence into the squalor of refugee camps.
The leader of the rebel army is the rarely seen Joseph Kony, a former witchdoctor and self-professed spirit medium who continues to evade justice and wield power from somewhere near the Congo~Sudan border. Kony claims he not only can predict the future but also can control the minds of his fighters. And control them he does: the Lord’s Resistance Army consists of children who are abducted from their homes under cover of night. As initiation, the boys are forced to commit atrocities—murdering their parents, friends, and relatives—and the kidnapped girls are forced into lives of sexual slavery and labor.
In order to help us understand these altrocities Eichstaedt goes into the war-torn villages and refugee camps, talking to former child soldiers, child “brides,” and other victims. He examines the cultlike convictions of the army; how a pervasive belief in witchcraft, the spirit world, and the supernatural gave rise to this and other deadly movements; and what the global community can do to bring peace and justice to the region. This insightful analysis delves into the war’s foundations and argues that, much like Rwanda’s genocide, international intervention is needed to stop Africa’s virulent cycle of violence.
Eichstaedt has spent over two years in Uganda and neighboring Congo and Sundan, speaking to many soldiers and victims, including young boys forced to fight, young girl “brides” forced into prostitution, and refugees held in detention camps. He also talks with local politicians (including the rebel militia that cloaks itself in Christian rhetoric) and with UN leaders trying to forge peace. There are several memoirs told from the point of view of child soldiers, but Eichstaedt’s broader, less-personal study offers another perspective. His blend of interviews with observation and analysis of political history, including comparisons between Uganda and neighboring Rwanda, Sudan, and Congo, raises the elemental questions: Why didn’t the world know or care about what was happening? Why do people rebel and how does rebellion get out of hand? And is the call for forgiveness merely a way to prevent reprisals?
Overall, I found this book a remarkable history of the LRA and an insightful look into the sociopolitical climate that both gath rise to Joseph Kony and still keeps him active. A very important historical and heartbreaking account - crucial in understanding some of the significant challenges that still lay ahead for Uganda.
(adapted from liner notes, personal thoughts, and publisher reviews)
"Heartfelt . . . A close analysis of [an] underreported crisis." —Publishers Weekly
"In-depth reporting . . . an intimate spin." —Kirkus Reviews
"You must read this powerful book. Peter Eichstaedt has given voice to the victims of the largely unheard-of tragedy of Uganda. This story calls out to our very humanity." —Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
"A book filled with haunting images that leave one groping for answers." —Mac Maharaj, South African author and activist
"This book is a call to action to help our brothers and sisters in Africa that we can no longer ignore." —John Dau, president, John Dau Sudan Foundation, and coauthor, God Grew Tired of Us: A Memoir
"This fine firsthand account should be read by anyone seeking to grapple with the challenges of war and peace in coming decades." —Douglas Farah, author, Merchant of Death and Blood from StonesProduct Description
Saturday, July 4, 2009
NEWS: Swine flu confirmed in Uganda
Swine flu confirmed in Uganda
- from MONITOR ONLINE
Uganda’s first case of the H1N1 swine flu virus was confirmed Wednesday night in a 40-year-old man from the UK, the Ministry of Health announced Thursday.
The man arrived in Uganda on June 26, 2009 from London via Nairobi to Entebbe on Kenya Airways. He passed through the health checkpoint at the airport with no symptoms and proceeded to Kampala to visit Ugandan friends. He did not stay in a hotel.
After contracting flu symptoms, he was admitted to Entebbe Hospital where Wednesday night he was confirmed to have Influenza A (H1N1) by the health laboratories in Entebbe.
The patient has been isolated in Entebbe and is reported to be in good condition. Officials were not able to give more information about the man or his activities while in Kampala.
“The task force is ready and we are going to make sure that whatever cases are reported to us we can handle,” Mr James Kakooza, the State Minister for Primary Health Care, said yesterday.
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the WHO has been working to prepare Uganda for the outbreak.
According to Mr Paul Kagwa, the assistant commissioner for health education and promotion, the country has been preparing for the virus for the past six monthsPassengers arriving at the Entebbe International Airport must pass through a special health screening before they proceed through immigration. The screening is a self-report questionnaire asking passengers where they are coming from and whether they have any flu symptoms.
When the man who is being kept at Entebbe Grade B Hospital arrived on the June 26, he had no symptoms and easily passed through the screening. The borders are also supposed to be carefully monitored, however, although Mr Kagwa told the Daily Monitor on Tuesday that all border points were being instructed to be “extra vigilant,” the first case seems to have caught the people manning them unaware.
An Akamba bus driver, who refused to be named for fear of being fired, told Daily Monitor that no health screening is taking place at the border. “No one is screened there, they only stamp the passport,” he said soon after arriving in Kampala yesterday morning from Kenya via the Busia border. Several others recently arrived in the country confirmed his report.
In response to the border situation, Mr Kakooza said the situation will be “beefed up.” “We are going to send another team to borders,” he said at a news conference at the media centre yesterday.
Dr Sam Okware, the director general of the Uganda National Health Research Organisation, said monitoring the entry points is not the most effective way to prevent the disease. He said individuals and communities themselves need to report outbreaks of the sickness.
Besides heightening surveillance around the country and promoting public awareness on the flu, the Ministry of Health and WHO have established a multi-sectoral National Task Force in recent months to coordinate all technical efforts and create strategies for preparedness and response.
Medicines (Tami Flu) for treatment are available in the country, laboratories have been strengthened so that they can undertake screening and diagnosis, and isolation facilities have been set up in Entebbe and Mulago hospitals, Mr Kakooza said yesterday. “Since its one case we have had now, I don’t think it has saturated all over,” Mr Kakooza told journalists.
Dr Saweka, the country representative of the World Health Organisation, warned against unnecessary panic. “Usually WHO does not recommend people going on the street with a mask,” he told journalists, adding that only those who are in contact with an H1N1 case need wear masks.
The H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as “swine flu,” is actually a type A influenza strain made up of a genetic combination of the swine, avian, and human influenza viruses. It is passed from human to human and cannot be gotten by eating pork as some suppose, Dr Okware said yesterday. “People should be encouraged to eat swine so that they can get their nutrition,” he said, laughing.
Kenya confirmed their first case of the H1N1 virus earlier this week in a British student who had travelled from Nairobi to Kisumu. “It seems Kisumu might already have 11 cases,” Dr Saweka said yesterday at the press conference. He later added that they are still waiting for final confirmation on those cases.
Until now, there were 96 confirmed cases across Africa, with Uganda now contributing the 97th. So far, none of these cases have been terminal. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspected cases.
- from MONITOR ONLINE
Uganda’s first case of the H1N1 swine flu virus was confirmed Wednesday night in a 40-year-old man from the UK, the Ministry of Health announced Thursday.
The man arrived in Uganda on June 26, 2009 from London via Nairobi to Entebbe on Kenya Airways. He passed through the health checkpoint at the airport with no symptoms and proceeded to Kampala to visit Ugandan friends. He did not stay in a hotel.
After contracting flu symptoms, he was admitted to Entebbe Hospital where Wednesday night he was confirmed to have Influenza A (H1N1) by the health laboratories in Entebbe.
The patient has been isolated in Entebbe and is reported to be in good condition. Officials were not able to give more information about the man or his activities while in Kampala.
“The task force is ready and we are going to make sure that whatever cases are reported to us we can handle,” Mr James Kakooza, the State Minister for Primary Health Care, said yesterday.
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the WHO has been working to prepare Uganda for the outbreak.
According to Mr Paul Kagwa, the assistant commissioner for health education and promotion, the country has been preparing for the virus for the past six monthsPassengers arriving at the Entebbe International Airport must pass through a special health screening before they proceed through immigration. The screening is a self-report questionnaire asking passengers where they are coming from and whether they have any flu symptoms.
When the man who is being kept at Entebbe Grade B Hospital arrived on the June 26, he had no symptoms and easily passed through the screening. The borders are also supposed to be carefully monitored, however, although Mr Kagwa told the Daily Monitor on Tuesday that all border points were being instructed to be “extra vigilant,” the first case seems to have caught the people manning them unaware.
An Akamba bus driver, who refused to be named for fear of being fired, told Daily Monitor that no health screening is taking place at the border. “No one is screened there, they only stamp the passport,” he said soon after arriving in Kampala yesterday morning from Kenya via the Busia border. Several others recently arrived in the country confirmed his report.
In response to the border situation, Mr Kakooza said the situation will be “beefed up.” “We are going to send another team to borders,” he said at a news conference at the media centre yesterday.
Dr Sam Okware, the director general of the Uganda National Health Research Organisation, said monitoring the entry points is not the most effective way to prevent the disease. He said individuals and communities themselves need to report outbreaks of the sickness.
Besides heightening surveillance around the country and promoting public awareness on the flu, the Ministry of Health and WHO have established a multi-sectoral National Task Force in recent months to coordinate all technical efforts and create strategies for preparedness and response.
Medicines (Tami Flu) for treatment are available in the country, laboratories have been strengthened so that they can undertake screening and diagnosis, and isolation facilities have been set up in Entebbe and Mulago hospitals, Mr Kakooza said yesterday. “Since its one case we have had now, I don’t think it has saturated all over,” Mr Kakooza told journalists.
Dr Saweka, the country representative of the World Health Organisation, warned against unnecessary panic. “Usually WHO does not recommend people going on the street with a mask,” he told journalists, adding that only those who are in contact with an H1N1 case need wear masks.
The H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as “swine flu,” is actually a type A influenza strain made up of a genetic combination of the swine, avian, and human influenza viruses. It is passed from human to human and cannot be gotten by eating pork as some suppose, Dr Okware said yesterday. “People should be encouraged to eat swine so that they can get their nutrition,” he said, laughing.
Kenya confirmed their first case of the H1N1 virus earlier this week in a British student who had travelled from Nairobi to Kisumu. “It seems Kisumu might already have 11 cases,” Dr Saweka said yesterday at the press conference. He later added that they are still waiting for final confirmation on those cases.
Until now, there were 96 confirmed cases across Africa, with Uganda now contributing the 97th. So far, none of these cases have been terminal. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspected cases.
NEWS: Govt names rebel collaborators
Govt names rebel collaborators
Friday, 3rd July, 2009 from NEW VISION
THE Army yesterday released the names of people accused of establishing a rebel group, the Uganda Patriotic Front (UPF). The group is led by renowned medical doctor, Henry Obonyo, who lives in the United States and has a second home in the United Kingdom, the army said. The list includes Charles Lakony, who the army said authored the rebel group’s concept document. He is however said to be using the pseudo name Don King and lives in San Diego, United States. He is a PhD holder of Political Science. Another prominent name on the list is Dr. Charles Akena who lives in Canada and is said to be a key financier of UPF. He is very rich with strong business chains in the USA and Canada. Also on the list is Joshua Abonga Otukene, who reportedly uses a pseudo name, Rembo, and lives in San Diego, USA. He also has homes in Nairobi’s Jahamuri estates. Otukene is a former US marine, who has been supporting the Lord’s Resistance Army but on many occasions disagreed with Kony over how the warlord was conducting the war. He is said to have at one time proposed to the late Vincent Otti that he should join them in Garamba Forest, eastern DR Congo but LRA leaders refused. Fred Okullo Otim, a former US pilot who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada in the US, but hails from Lacor village, Gulu district, is another key name on the list. He was one the people whom Kony dismissed from the Juba peace talks. Alex Okot Langwen, son of the late Lt. Gen. Bazilio Okello, a former army commander under Tito Okello’s military junta in 1985, was recently arrested. The army said he had been the main UPF man on the ground, in charge of organising and recruiting. He was arrested in Lacor, Gulu and remanded in Luzira Prison. The army alleges that Okot was the one coordinating the activities between Gulu-Kampala and Nairobi. He is said to have recruited Onek-Mon, a UPDF soldier who is also a former LRA commander. Onek Adyanga, based in Canada, is the key UPF man who is reported to have been in Uganda between March and June 2009, recruiting for the group in Gulu, Kitgum and Pader district. Also mentioned is Lapwony Okwon, who is based in the UK. He hails from Gulu and has been developing a network for recruiting members for UPF. Also named is Chairman of the Acholi Community in the US, Dr. Ocan Lapit Otim, who lives in California. He is said to be a strong member and financier of the UPF. Maj. Oboke Okello Latigo, also known as Tool Box, lives in Nairobi and is reportedly coordinating activities of UPF in Kenya. “He normally directs people to approach former LRA rebels who are within the UPDF or those in the community and he talks to them on phone to encourage them,” read an intelligence brief. Other names on the list were Sande Angoma Okello from Namukora sub-county in Kitgum district, currently a PhD student at Lust International Development Metropolitan University, Birmingham, London. He is said to have co-edited the rebel group’s concept document. The list, released by army spokesperson Maj. Felix Kulayigye, also includes Dr Acan Lapit Oxim, currently living in California, USA and Lapwony Ocon, who lives in the UK, but hails from Gulu. According to security documents, the new rebel group was formed in mid 2007. It was originally named the Uganda Patriotic Front (UPF) and later renamed Popular Patriotic Front (PPF). The founder members consist of former LRA rebel sponsors in the diaspora who disagreed with Joseph Kony’s participation in the Juba peace process and the subsequent killing of LRA deputy chief Otti Vincent by Kony. It is said this group was behind Kony’s refusal to sign the Juba peace agreement. Some soldiers of the UPDF are thought to be linked to the group. Sources intimated that the group had planned to use Bunyoro region as its operation area, particularly the Budongo Forest, as a base. The aim was to de-link it from the Acholi factor. The document reads: “Use Bunyoro region as an area for their operation and make use of Budongo Forests for training, Kibanda County for operation and recruitment of Alur and Acholi who stay in the area.” The first attack was to take place between December 2008 and January 2009, with the target being Gulu Prison. The aim of the attack was to release former LRA commander, Onen Kamdul Ajibo and Odongkara, who are said to have knowledge of where the LRA weapons are buried. The plan to attack Gulu Prison however failed when security sources got whim of the plan, in which they had tried to involve the Gulu Prison Wader, Francis Akena. Akena said he feared for his life and job. Its second target was to be the Police posts in Kafu, Budongo and various out posts within Masindi district. They aimed at getting arms for initial operations as they awaited their supplies. The group’s operation in Masindi is said to be coordinated by a secondary school teacher in the district who is also alleged to be recruiting people in the area. A security brief shows that the group came to light in February 2009, when security operatives detected deceptive information from officials from the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), claiming LRA deputy leader Okot Odhiambo wanted to surrender with over 200 fighters. Satellite phone tracking with the help of international security services indicated that the signals were from Kampala, not eastern DR Congo or South Sudan. Investigative intelligence led to the arrest of Patrick Komakech in March 2009. Komakech confessed that he was impersonating LRA rebel commanders Ceaser Accallam, Bwone Lubwa and Okot Odhiambo and conning foreign diplomats, government officials and other prominent personalities. Komakech in the process of interrogation is said to have confessed to being a member of the new rebel group, the People’s Patriotic Front (PPF) that is planning to overthrow the Government. He mentioned several names of other people who were subsequently arrested from Gulu, Amuru, Pader and Masindi district by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI). Its objectives show that the group was to recruit already trained military personnel, former rebels or UPDF deserters as well as serving soldiers that subscribe to their ideas. Its members were instructed not to abduct young children, rob civilians or commit any atrocities. They were supposed to use money sent from abroad for luring people and buying things from people. On June 16, the Buganda Road Magistrate Court charged 12 suspected commanders and recruitment officers of PPF with treason.
Friday, 3rd July, 2009 from NEW VISION
THE Army yesterday released the names of people accused of establishing a rebel group, the Uganda Patriotic Front (UPF). The group is led by renowned medical doctor, Henry Obonyo, who lives in the United States and has a second home in the United Kingdom, the army said. The list includes Charles Lakony, who the army said authored the rebel group’s concept document. He is however said to be using the pseudo name Don King and lives in San Diego, United States. He is a PhD holder of Political Science. Another prominent name on the list is Dr. Charles Akena who lives in Canada and is said to be a key financier of UPF. He is very rich with strong business chains in the USA and Canada. Also on the list is Joshua Abonga Otukene, who reportedly uses a pseudo name, Rembo, and lives in San Diego, USA. He also has homes in Nairobi’s Jahamuri estates. Otukene is a former US marine, who has been supporting the Lord’s Resistance Army but on many occasions disagreed with Kony over how the warlord was conducting the war. He is said to have at one time proposed to the late Vincent Otti that he should join them in Garamba Forest, eastern DR Congo but LRA leaders refused. Fred Okullo Otim, a former US pilot who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada in the US, but hails from Lacor village, Gulu district, is another key name on the list. He was one the people whom Kony dismissed from the Juba peace talks. Alex Okot Langwen, son of the late Lt. Gen. Bazilio Okello, a former army commander under Tito Okello’s military junta in 1985, was recently arrested. The army said he had been the main UPF man on the ground, in charge of organising and recruiting. He was arrested in Lacor, Gulu and remanded in Luzira Prison. The army alleges that Okot was the one coordinating the activities between Gulu-Kampala and Nairobi. He is said to have recruited Onek-Mon, a UPDF soldier who is also a former LRA commander. Onek Adyanga, based in Canada, is the key UPF man who is reported to have been in Uganda between March and June 2009, recruiting for the group in Gulu, Kitgum and Pader district. Also mentioned is Lapwony Okwon, who is based in the UK. He hails from Gulu and has been developing a network for recruiting members for UPF. Also named is Chairman of the Acholi Community in the US, Dr. Ocan Lapit Otim, who lives in California. He is said to be a strong member and financier of the UPF. Maj. Oboke Okello Latigo, also known as Tool Box, lives in Nairobi and is reportedly coordinating activities of UPF in Kenya. “He normally directs people to approach former LRA rebels who are within the UPDF or those in the community and he talks to them on phone to encourage them,” read an intelligence brief. Other names on the list were Sande Angoma Okello from Namukora sub-county in Kitgum district, currently a PhD student at Lust International Development Metropolitan University, Birmingham, London. He is said to have co-edited the rebel group’s concept document. The list, released by army spokesperson Maj. Felix Kulayigye, also includes Dr Acan Lapit Oxim, currently living in California, USA and Lapwony Ocon, who lives in the UK, but hails from Gulu. According to security documents, the new rebel group was formed in mid 2007. It was originally named the Uganda Patriotic Front (UPF) and later renamed Popular Patriotic Front (PPF). The founder members consist of former LRA rebel sponsors in the diaspora who disagreed with Joseph Kony’s participation in the Juba peace process and the subsequent killing of LRA deputy chief Otti Vincent by Kony. It is said this group was behind Kony’s refusal to sign the Juba peace agreement. Some soldiers of the UPDF are thought to be linked to the group. Sources intimated that the group had planned to use Bunyoro region as its operation area, particularly the Budongo Forest, as a base. The aim was to de-link it from the Acholi factor. The document reads: “Use Bunyoro region as an area for their operation and make use of Budongo Forests for training, Kibanda County for operation and recruitment of Alur and Acholi who stay in the area.” The first attack was to take place between December 2008 and January 2009, with the target being Gulu Prison. The aim of the attack was to release former LRA commander, Onen Kamdul Ajibo and Odongkara, who are said to have knowledge of where the LRA weapons are buried. The plan to attack Gulu Prison however failed when security sources got whim of the plan, in which they had tried to involve the Gulu Prison Wader, Francis Akena. Akena said he feared for his life and job. Its second target was to be the Police posts in Kafu, Budongo and various out posts within Masindi district. They aimed at getting arms for initial operations as they awaited their supplies. The group’s operation in Masindi is said to be coordinated by a secondary school teacher in the district who is also alleged to be recruiting people in the area. A security brief shows that the group came to light in February 2009, when security operatives detected deceptive information from officials from the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), claiming LRA deputy leader Okot Odhiambo wanted to surrender with over 200 fighters. Satellite phone tracking with the help of international security services indicated that the signals were from Kampala, not eastern DR Congo or South Sudan. Investigative intelligence led to the arrest of Patrick Komakech in March 2009. Komakech confessed that he was impersonating LRA rebel commanders Ceaser Accallam, Bwone Lubwa and Okot Odhiambo and conning foreign diplomats, government officials and other prominent personalities. Komakech in the process of interrogation is said to have confessed to being a member of the new rebel group, the People’s Patriotic Front (PPF) that is planning to overthrow the Government. He mentioned several names of other people who were subsequently arrested from Gulu, Amuru, Pader and Masindi district by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI). Its objectives show that the group was to recruit already trained military personnel, former rebels or UPDF deserters as well as serving soldiers that subscribe to their ideas. Its members were instructed not to abduct young children, rob civilians or commit any atrocities. They were supposed to use money sent from abroad for luring people and buying things from people. On June 16, the Buganda Road Magistrate Court charged 12 suspected commanders and recruitment officers of PPF with treason.
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