Ronan Kelly
Retired 2020
Ten die of strange disease in Namutumba
Friday, 18th March, 2011
Waiswa Byansi?s family thinks he was poisoned during a meal in the neighbourhood
By Fred Sooma
UNTIL two months ago, Waiswa Byansi, 4, was like any other village child, sliding on anthills, making toys out of banana fibre and chasing chicken.
Today, he cannot sit up because his tummy has become bigger than the rest of his body. He lies on his back nearly all the time, because that is his most comfortable position.
His bulging stomach causes him a lot of difficulty in breathing. To him, eating is more difficult than work. His penis is totally deformed and passing urine is difficult. His face is pale, lips dry and his hair is falling off. He is so weak that lifting his arm is a burden.
His family, which lives in Mazuba Parish, Magada sub-county, Namutumba district, strongly believes it is juju (African traditional poison). The victim?s mother, Edith Nabirye, says her son?s problem started in mid-February after a neighbour, George Muteso, served him a meal of millet bread (kalo) and beef.
...
But Byansi is not alone. Over the last two years, 10 people in Mazuba parish have died of similar symptoms, which residents attribute to poisoning, locally known as kidada. At least four others are still sick. This has caused fear in Nsoola, Kasuleeta, Irondo, Itaazi, and Namalemba villages, where some victims have died. Parents are strictly warning their children against eating food in other people?s homes.
...
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/749487
Friday, 18th March, 2011
Waiswa Byansi?s family thinks he was poisoned during a meal in the neighbourhood
By Fred Sooma
UNTIL two months ago, Waiswa Byansi, 4, was like any other village child, sliding on anthills, making toys out of banana fibre and chasing chicken.
Today, he cannot sit up because his tummy has become bigger than the rest of his body. He lies on his back nearly all the time, because that is his most comfortable position.
His bulging stomach causes him a lot of difficulty in breathing. To him, eating is more difficult than work. His penis is totally deformed and passing urine is difficult. His face is pale, lips dry and his hair is falling off. He is so weak that lifting his arm is a burden.
His family, which lives in Mazuba Parish, Magada sub-county, Namutumba district, strongly believes it is juju (African traditional poison). The victim?s mother, Edith Nabirye, says her son?s problem started in mid-February after a neighbour, George Muteso, served him a meal of millet bread (kalo) and beef.
...
But Byansi is not alone. Over the last two years, 10 people in Mazuba parish have died of similar symptoms, which residents attribute to poisoning, locally known as kidada. At least four others are still sick. This has caused fear in Nsoola, Kasuleeta, Irondo, Itaazi, and Namalemba villages, where some victims have died. Parents are strictly warning their children against eating food in other people?s homes.
...
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/749487