By Brian Atuhura
The Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaga,has commended the Government of Uganda,the Ministry of Health Uganda and development partners for thier efforts in combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly River blindness,in communities surrounding the Budongo Forest.

Byakutaga said the elimination of the disease has restored productivity and improved the quality of life for residents in affected areas across Masindi,Buliisa and Hoima districts,where communities battled the condition for nearly two decades.

He made the remarks while officiating as Chief Guest during celebrations to mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day held at Nyantonzi Health Centre III on Thursday last week under the theme "Unite,Act and Eliminate".
"The communities around Budongo forest suffered greatly from river blindness for many years,but through the commitment of government and partners,the disease has now been eliminated.People can once again work productively and improve their livelihoods,"Byakutaga said.

Masindi District Chairperson, Cosmas Byaruhanga, thanked the Ministry of Health for choosing Masindi to host the commemoration, noting that Nyantonzi Sub-County was among the areas most affected by the disease.

Byaruhanga said the river blindness elimination program not only improved community health but also exposed local leaders to international engagements and learning opportunities.

"This project even enabled me to obtain my first passport and travel by air for the first time as we engaged with international partners working to eliminate the disease,"he said.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Masindi, Dhaala Sanon, praised the government's commitment to fighting both political and health challenges affecting Ugandans.However,he cautioned residents against misusing government development funds under the Emyooga program, warning that anyone found misappropriating the funds would face arrest.

Meanwhile,the Chief Administrative Officer of Masindi District, Samuel Ruhweza Kaija,said the elimination of river blindness has contributed to improved school enrolment, particularly in Nyantonzi Sub-County where many families had previously been affected by the disease.

He called on the Ministry of Health and partners to sustain surveillance efforts to address other Neglected Tropical Diseases that may still threaten communities around Budongo.

Masindi District Health Officer,Dr.Nicholas Kwikiriza Magambo, explained that the elimination of river blindness was achieved through mass administration of ivermectin medicine, which helped control the disease while vector control measures targeted the black flies that breed in fast flowing rivers.

He noted that continued monitoring and community awareness will be critical to ensuring the disease does not re-emerge in the region.