Panic has gripped residents of Namanoga village in Mukono District following the emergence of a strange illness marked by violent body shaking, sudden collapse, and debilitating weakness, sparking fears of an unidentified disease outbreak.
At least six people—children and adults alike—have been affected so far, with community leaders and residents accusing health officials of neglect as the situation worsens.
According to locals, the affected individuals begin to tremble uncontrollably, lose the ability to walk, and in some cases collapse without warning.
Victims require round-the-clock care due to the severity of the symptoms.
Darlson Kyakuwa Ssekyanzi, a local pastor, said he has received four patients at his church seeking divine intervention.
“They came in shaking and asked for prayers. I prayed for them, but none of them has returned,” he said.
One of the victims, a schoolgirl named Makayi, is currently under the care of her grandmother, Mary Kakai.
The girl developed symptoms while at school and has since been unable to stand or move without assistance.
“She was called out from school and couldn’t even walk. Every time she tries to stand, she shakes and falls,” Kakai explained.
“She used to do everything by herself. Now she needs help even with the smallest task.”
Makayi described experiencing intense body tremors and sharp pain around her waist whenever she attempts to move.
Some residents suspect a local school may be the origin of the illness, possibly due to environmental contamination.
Others, however, believe supernatural forces could be behind the outbreak.
Christine Nakate, a mother whose daughter is also affected, said she resorted to seeking help from a traditional healer.
“I decided to take my daughter to a local shrine for treatment. I think this might not be a normal illness,” she said.
There are also reports that some families are hiding their sick relatives, either due to fear of social stigma or because they doubt the ability of medical authorities to offer meaningful help.
“We tried to visit some homes to assess the situation, but the families refused to let us in,” said community leader Joseph Kityo.
“Even when patients are taken to hospital, doctors cannot make a clear diagnosis. That’s why we’re pleading with the government to send in medical experts.”
Kityo confirmed six reported cases but believes the actual number could be higher due to underreporting or concealment.
Despite growing anxiety in the village, Mukono District health officials have yet to comment publicly on the matter.
District Health Officer Dr. Steven Mulindwa declined to respond when contacted.
However, Dr. Denis Mushabe of Herona Community Hospital suggested the symptoms bear similarities to a condition known locally as Dinga Dinga or the “dancing disease.”
The illness was first reported in Bundibugyo District last year and is characterized by involuntary shaking, severe joint pain, and temporary loss of mobility.
“The exact cause of Dinga Dinga is still unknown, but the condition is treatable using antibiotics. Most patients recover within a week,” Dr. Mushabe said.
He added that health officials are continuing investigations into possible causes, including viral infections, toxic exposure, or environmental factors.
However, no definitive explanation has been found.
As uncertainty deepens, Namanoga residents are demanding swift government action and professional medical intervention to avert a potential health crisis.
