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Kawempe Authorities Weigh Lodge Closures Amid Mpox Surge in Kampala

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Kawempe Authorities Weigh Lodge Closures Amid Mpox Surge in Kampala
Mpox jabs have been used in some countries like DR Congo

Kawempe has emerged as the most affected area in Kampala District, followed by Makindye, according to recent research.

Authorities in Kawempe Division are grappling with rising Mpox cases, prompting discussions about potentially closing lodges—cited as hotspots for the disease’s spread.

Kawempe has emerged as the most affected area in Kampala District, followed by Makindye, according to recent research.

During a health meeting chaired by Kawempe Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Jane Muhindo, Mayor Owedembe Serunjogi, and officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO), it was revealed that 61 out of Kawempe's 119 villages are affected.

Hard-hit areas include Jambula, Katoogo, Kimumbaasa, and Kazo Central slums, where prostitution is reportedly prevalent, exacerbating the outbreak.

RDC Muhindo stressed the urgency of controlling the outbreak to protect the district’s health and economy.

She called on residents to promptly report cases and warned that failure to act could lead to the matter being escalated to the President.

Despite the alarming situation, Mayor Serunjogi opposed lodge closures, highlighting their role as a vital source of income for many locals.

“We must find alternative solutions that do not cripple residents economically,” he urged.

The division has reported 3,043 Mpox cases, including 164 new infections. As part of the response, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has inspected 59 hospitals, 33 churches, 25 mosques, and 108 schools.

WHO officials have recommended introducing targeted medications to address the outbreak. UNICEF representative Tabule Bakyayita also noted that plans are underway to distribute doses to Kawempe, where infections are surging.

Similar inspections are being conducted in Wakiso and Mukono districts, with prostitution identified as a significant factor in the spread.

Some residents, still recovering from the socio-economic impact of COVID-19, have expressed fears about the outbreak and proposed quarantines as a containment measure.

Authorities face the challenge of balancing public health needs with economic considerations as they deliberate on the best course of action to manage the crisis.

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