ANKOLE DIOCESE JOINS EPILEPSY CAMPAIGN IN IBANDA

By Elly Karenzi
In Ibanda—

Ankole diocese together with Ibanda district local government have joined hands in launching an epilepsy community dialogue and sensitization drive in Kicuzi sub county, Ibanda district.

A total of 1,600 people including men,women and children of Kicuzi sub-county are suffering from Epilepsy disease that has made the residents to suffer and worry according to a report that was presented by the Ibanda district health officer Dr. Julius Bamwine According to Rev. Capt. Francis Isingoma, the Asst. Diocesan planner
, Ankole diocese health in Kicuzi sub-county, education and malnutrition are alarming and they need collective efforts to sensitize the parents.
Speaking to the residents of Kicuzi sub county at Kanywambogo trading center, Bishop of Ankole Diocese. Rt. Rev. Sheldon Mwesigwa, told the people that it was his first time to organize a public rally which is not a pastoral visit to sensitize the masses about the condition of people living with epilepsy and parents force their daughters into early marriage.
He lamented that many pupils who are in schools can not reach in P7, but drop up either young girls get married before completing P6 and young boys also marry at youthful age. He said even married husbands remarry more than four women including the young girls who below 17 years .
The most affected areas where the epilepsy is causing worries include Ryabatenga 1 and 2,Kishabo, Kabuhwju, Kibingo and Irmya parish all in Kicuzi sub county
Many head teachers said that the epilepsy has affected the education of students as many fall down during class work and are rushed out to rest under the trees.