The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Contingent operating under the East African Regional Force (EACRF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) joined efforts to fight against the Cholera outbreak.
Cholera was registered in some areas of Mabenga and Kiwanja in Rutshuru territory, by Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF) and the Red Cross Society in June 2023. The disease has so far claimed 13 lives between June 28 and July 3.
In order to curtail the rapid spread of the disease, the UPDF through its engineering brigade, is restoring clean piped water in Tshengerero Cell.
The UPDF has also provided technical support in the fixing of a 400-metre-long plastic water pipeline into a metallic pipe, earlier vandalized by local scrap dealers within Bunagana town.
The project is envisaged to provide safe water to Tshengerero Centre and the surrounding villages of Mukingo, Cheya, Rubona and Kibindi localities (Parishes) in the Jomba Group Sub-county where the disease has been registered.
Col Michael Walaka Hyeroba the UPDF Contingent Commander said that lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation is one of the causes of Cholera in the surrounding communities.
He said the communities had resorted to using contaminated water and food coupled with poor waste disposal which leads to the rapid spread of the disease.
“We cannot say that we are in DRC to provide peace and security to the people of Rutshuru territory when people lack water as one of the basic needs of life. It’s therefore critical that we had to ensure that the community has access to adequate, clean and safe water to enable good sanitation as soon as possible to curtail the spread of Cholera,” he elaborated.
Maj James Mukwhana, the deputy commanding Officer of UPDF 27th Battalion based in Tshengerero said the response is in line with the fight against Cholera.
Mr. Sejumba Kamara, the local Chief of the area said that the old water facility was built by KOGA, however, the metallic water pipes and other structures were vandalized by metal scrap dealers.
He thanked the UPDF for their quick and timely response to the community, “This time, we shall protect the water pipes to ensure that no one tampers with the facility including its accessories,” said Chief Kamara.