Swelling feet bring pain, fear to Ibanda village

Ibanda
Health officials in Ibanda District are struggling to identify and treat a rare condition that has affected at least 30 people in Sooko village, Nyamerebe Sub-county.

The victims of the yet-to-be explained disease develop swollen feet that immobilises them. Most of the victims are mainly in their 20s.

The symptoms are similar to those of elephantiasis, a disease that is characterised by the thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, especially in the legs.

Elephantiasis is caused by lymphatic filariasis.
The area LC1 chairperson, Mr Jackson Bonigaba, told journalists at the weekend; “For about 15 years, people of this village have suffered this (strange) disease.”

Samples taken
He added that a couple of years ago, health workers took blood samples from a few victims to Entebbe but have never returned to announce the results.

But the District Heath Officer, Mr Julius Bamwiine, told Daily Monitor that the health department is aware of the threat but they lack funds to complete the exercise.
When Daily Monitor visited the affected area, the victims looked they were in agony, many of whom said they had lost hope that they would heal.

Mr Isaac Mizerero, 90, who has been with the disease for the last 10 years, said local leaders have done little to help them.