The Greater Masaka Regional Security Committee is actively searching for a witchdoctor accused of luring anthrax patients away from hospitals in Kyotera. Due to the anthrax outbreak in the region, movement of cattle has been restricted.
Sylvia Nansamba, Chairperson of traditional healers in Rakai district, is allegedly convincing anthrax patients to reject medical treatment in favor of seeking sorcery. The security committee claims that Nansamba, along with her agents, has been enticing patients from Kyotera and Rakai districts to her shrine in Kimanya cell, on the outskirts of Masaka City.
Ahmed Kateregga, the Deputy Masaka City Resident Commissioner, overseeing the Kimanya-Kabonera division, confirmed reports of Nansamba’s attempts to mislead the community. He expressed concern that her actions are hindering efforts to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Kyotera district authorities have imposed a ban on the movement and consumption of livestock and related products due to the anthrax outbreak, which has affected both animals and humans. The disease has claimed 18 lives and hospitalized at least 40 individuals since last month.
Nansamba and her associates are reportedly spreading misconceptions, falsely linking the disease to theft or the consumption of stolen beef, and claiming bewitchment as the cause. The regional security committee has directed the police to apprehend Nansamba and her network, charging them for obstructing efforts to curb the spread of the lethal disease.
The committee has also instructed the police to increase surveillance to prevent the illegal movement of livestock and related products from the restricted area. Efforts to contact Nansamba for comment were unsuccessful.
Dr. John Lutaaya, the Kyotera District Veterinary Officer, confirmed instructions given to parish surveillance committees to ensure strict adherence to all quarantine restrictions. He emphasized the need to report all anthrax-related animal deaths for proper disposal of carcasses through burial or incineration. Dr. Lutaaya is awaiting the allocation of vaccines from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry to conduct mass vaccinations for livestock against anthrax.
