Health authorities in Jinja City have raised alarm over a growing outbreak of Bilharzia, particularly affecting fishing communities along the shores of Lake Victoria and surrounding islands.
According to the Jinja City Health Officer, Dr. Fredrick Isabirye, recent surveillance findings indicate a worrying prevalence of the disease in the affected areas. Stool samples collected from 60 residents revealed that at least 30 tested positive for Bilharzia, pointing to a significant public health concern.
The most affected areas include Kisima One and Kisima Two islands, as well as Loko Landing Site—communities heavily reliant on lake water for daily domestic use. Health experts attribute the surge in infections to a combination of environmental and behavioural factors, including increased rainfall and poor sanitation practices.
Dr. Isabirye noted that open defecation remains the leading driver of the outbreak, especially in areas lacking access to proper sanitation facilities. He explained that Bilharzia, scientifically known as schistosomiasis, is caused by parasitic worms that thrive in contaminated freshwater. The parasites enter the human body through the skin when individuals come into contact with infested water.
“The city surveillance team collected stool samples from 60 people, and 30 tested positive,” Dr. Isabirye confirmed, urging residents to stop open defecation and adopt improved hygiene practices.
Although no fatalities have been reported, health authorities have intensified interventions to contain the spread. Dr. Isabirye revealed that an emergency request has been submitted to the National Medical Stores for supply of Bilharzia treatment drugs, which will be distributed across affected communities. Ongoing screening efforts are also being expanded to identify and treat additional cases.
Meanwhile, Jinja Resident City Commissioner Salim Kumakech has led outreach campaigns to the affected islands, conducting community sensitisation drives on hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention.
However, residents in the affected areas have cited lack of access to clean and safe water as a major contributing factor. Many households rely directly on untreated lake water for drinking and domestic use, significantly increasing their risk of infection.
A resident, Auma Agnes, noted that the only reliable source of clean water had been provided by a non-profit organisation, Water Mission, but the purification systems are no longer functional.
“We are now forced to drink lake water,” she said.
Another resident, Christine Laroke, explained that some families are compelled to purchase safe water from the mainland at Masese Landing Site at a cost of up to 2,000 shillings, including transport—an expense many cannot afford.
Residents are now calling on government to urgently repair and restore the non-functional water systems to ensure access to safe drinking water.
In response, RCC Kumakech acknowledged the concerns and pledged to present them to city authorities. He emphasised government’s responsibility to maintain infrastructure established through partnerships with non-governmental organisations.
“When NGOs provide services like clean water, it is our duty as government to ensure such facilities remain functional so that our people continue to benefit,” Kumakech said.
Authorities say efforts are underway to improve sanitation infrastructure and expand access to safe water as part of broader measures to curb the spread of Bilharzia in Jinja City and surrounding communities.