By Bernard Masereka

A cholera outbreak in Bukonzo West constituency in Kasese district has left one person dead.

One person died at Bwera hospital cholera treatment centre after he was admitted.

The medical superintendent Bwera hospital Dr. Alphonse Gatare told a meeting of stakeholders at Bwera hospital that nine people have died of cholera since October 2011.

"It's unfortunate that our people continue to die of such a primitive disease" Dr. Gatare noted.

He said that Nyakiyumba sub-county has registered the highest number of patients of cholera with about 100 people infected in the area since October last year. He said that all sub-counties in the constituency have reported cases of cholera.

During the meeting attended by a cross-section of people it was agreed the sale of food stuffs including sugarcanes must be banned with immediate effect in an effort to curb further spread of the disease.

It was also resolved that heads of households without latrines must be arrested and that people who have piece of land for rent must ensure that public latrines are constructed for people who cultivate on their pieces of land.

Katholhu a cotton growing area in Nyakiyumbu sub-county has been sighted as an epicenter of cholera. A community operation mounted by village health teams and political and civil leaders would be carried out in the affected areas so as to improve hygiene and sanitation in the community.

However, some members argued that there was inadequate supply of water in the area especially Nyakiyumbu sub-county noting that it was making it hard for people to keep sanitation in homes.

29 people including four pupils from Katholhu primary school have been admitted to Bwera hospital cholera ward.

The district secretary for social services John Businge said that cholera has been persistent in the district for more than a year.

"Much as there have been cases in the last one year we have had many cases this time round and we need to do something to avert the situation" Businga said.