Residents in Nebbi Municipality have expressed concern over the increasing open disposal of fecal matter along major corridors and streets.
The most affected areas according to the residents include places that host night discos and clubs where visible patches of human waste can be found. Some of the residents also urinate in mineral water bottles and dump the bottles along the streets and corridors.
Justine Tekakwo, a resident of Unjuku upper cell, Forest ward, Thatha Division in Nebbi municipality told URN that the unknown people take advantage of the night to commit such despicable acts.
He wondered why the municipality officials would allow such night entertainment places to operate when they lack proper pit latrines and urinals.
Hajji Rashid, another resident, explains that there is a huge stench and flies along most of the corridors and streets due to the alarming rate of open defecation within the town. He expressed fear that they could contract cholera or other diseases related to poor sanitation.
Dr Justine Okwairwoth, the Nebbi District Health Officer (DHO) told URN that although the latrine coverage in the district is about 80 percent, there are still several households that lack latrines.
Dr. Okwairwoth advised the town dwellers to prioritize latrine construction and handwashing to reduce the risk of sanitation-related diseases such as Intestinal worms.
Meanwhile, Gilbert Opoka, the councilor representing the central division in Nebbi municipality noted that they are trying to pass a bylaw that will ensure homesteads without latrines get one at their own cost.
According to the Ministry of Health, Open defecation has devastating consequences on public health. It says fecal contamination of the environment and poor hygiene practices are the leading causes of child mortality, morbidity, malnutrition, and stunting. These conditions can have long-term negative effects on cognitive development.
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