SICKLE CELL AWARENESS KYENGEZA CATHOLIC PARISH

On Sunday 28th September 2014 Sickle cell Network Uganda had sickle cell awareness campaign at St. Kizito Catholic Church Kyengeza. Kyengeza is located on Kampala – Mityana Road and is under Kiyinda – Mityana Catholic Diocese.

Father Lazarus Kiggundu cautioned the Christians against the scourge of sickle cell disease.
He also noted the worrying increase in the number of people with sickle cell. He also noted that many people are not taking their children to hospitals because of ignorance about the disease. Fr. Kiggundu cautioned the Christians against sickle cell and warned those who have been calling it witch craft to stop it immediately. He promised that he is going to lobby other church leaders in the diocese to prioritise the genotype results for all intending couples as it is done in HIV. He commended the good work done Sickle cell Network Uganda of taking sickle cell awareness campaigns to rural areas.

Ms Evelyn Mwesigwa ED Sickle cell Network Uganda

Church congregation

Ms Evelyn Mwesigwa of Sickle cell Network Uganda taught those who care for people living with sickle cell disease how to manage them. She advised everyone to test and know their genotype to save the next generation.
“If you have not yet married please go and test to ascertain whether you have the sickle cell gene or not” she cautioned
“If you carry the gene do not get a partner who has the gene. Go for some one who is free from sickle cell gene. We need to have a sickle cell free generation. No one wants to see their child in excruciating pain.’
Edward a 10 year old who had come with her mother gave testimony about the pain he goes through.
“When the cold weather sets in I get a lot of pain which is inscribable” he said in agony.
His mother complained about the higher costs of treating his son.
“I have to take him to Mulago which is expensive for. We ask government to open up a sickle cell clinic at Mityana Hospital to save us from the higher costs of going to Kampala”

Many people complained about the lack of testing centres and even those that exist charge outrageous fees.
“I took my grand daughter for an Hb Electrophersis test in a private lab in Mityana and they charged me 60,000 Uganda shillings” Mr. Mulondo said
We extend our gratitude to Father incharge of Kyengeza Parish Fr. Lazarus Kiggundu assisted by Fr. Mutyaba and Fr. Galiwango for organising this campaign and accommodating us.