Pilgrims at the Catholic Shrine in Namugongo have reported a range of health issues, including stomach disorders and food poisoning.
Dr. Joseph Mubiru from Mulago, who is leading the health service team at the shrine, stated that they have treated over 160 pilgrims for food poisoning, stomach disorders, eye infections, high blood pressure, and other ailments.
Additionally, more than 30 pilgrims have collapsed. The medical team has stabilized these individuals before transferring them to Mulago Hospital for further treatment.
While several health service providers are at the shrine, all collapsed pilgrims are taken to Mulago for comprehensive care.
Kira Municipality has implemented health guidelines requiring every food vendor at the event to undergo a health checkup to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
Despite the large crowd, Dr. Mubiru assured that there was sufficient manpower, medications, and other supplies provided by the National Medical Stores to handle the situation.
According to our observations, scouts and Xaverian rescue teams have been seen transporting numerous collapsed pilgrims on stretchers to health tents for assistance.
It was also noted that the number of pilgrims has overwhelmed the available toilet facilities.
This has compromised the hygiene standards of the toilets, particularly affecting women, who are now at increased risk of contracting diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
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