Residents of Mbale city and surrounding areas are in uproar after they realised that some of them will be missing out on promised mosquito nets from government.
The mosquito nets are being distributed by Ministry of Health in an effort to combat Malaria in the region.
Reports from various villages indicate a stark disparity between the number of nets delivered and the actual demand, with some villages receiving as little as 10% of the expected quantity.
The situation took a tumultuous turn as chaos erupted in some villages during the distribution process.
A group of youths reportedly stormed the distribution center in a desperate bid to secure nets, leading to the unfortunate disappearance of nine out of the twelve bales of mosquito nets that were delivered.
Sibi Julius, the Secretary for Defense, described the overwhelming situation they faced during the distribution.
"We were taken aback by the intensity of the chaos, as a group of youths forcibly seized the nets, leaving us with only a fraction of what was intended for the community," Julius remarked.
The chaotic scenes resulted in injuries, including a senior citizen who sustained a fracture in the stampede.
Justin Bisikwa, a Village Health Team (VHT) member from Kinyoli B, expressed concern over the tumultuous events that transpired.
"Our efforts to deliver the mosquito nets as planned were hindered by the disorder, and only a small percentage of the nets reached the intended beneficiaries," Bisikwa lamented.
Musungu Godfrey, another VHT member from Kinyoli B, revealed that the delivery of just 10% of the anticipated mosquito nets presented a significant hurdle in effectively reaching households. The scarcity has not only caused frustration but also undermined the potential impact of the distribution effort.
Several sampled villages, including Mission Cell, Kinyoli B, and Kasanvu, have reported a significant deficit of mosquito nets, with an estimated 80% shortage.
The nationwide distribution of mosquito nets is a cornerstone of the Ministry of Health's strategy to combat malaria, a prevalent and life-threatening disease.
Local leaders in the area expressed their belief that the chaotic scenes could have been averted had there been an adequate supply of mosquito nets to meet the community's needs.
Emmanuel Ainebyona, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the recommended nets-to-person ratio of 1:2 per household. He added that the ministry is currently awaiting reports from District Health Officers regarding the extent of the deficit and the steps needed to address the situation.
