By Online Team

27^th Feb 2012:

A nodding disease victim in northern Uganda

A cross section of gravely concerned Ugandans based in the United Kingdom who say they are dissatisfied with the government’s lukewarm response to tackling the ‘nodding disease’ have taken matters into their own humanitarian hands and decided to launch an ambitious fundraising drive to support victims of the disease.

According to a press release issued by the organisers, the inaugural fundraising event is scheduled to take place this weekend, Saturday 3, March from 2.30pm till late at St. Gertrude’s RCCH Social Club, Corbett’s Lane London SE16 2BQ (Surrey Quays)

The fundraising initiative is meant to mobilise funds from sympathisers in Uganda, Africa, and across the globe to fund further research into the cause and possible treatment for the alien disease that has attacked children in large parts of northern Uganda since 2008.

An estimated 1800 -3000 children in the northern Uganda districts of Gulu, Kitgum, and Pader have so far been affected and nearly 2000 have since died from the debilitating disease.  At present, there is no treatment or cure for the disease. Part of the funds raised, the organisers say, will go towards supporting social care demands faced by families affected by the disease.

The campaign’s other key objective is raise awareness within the global scientific community in the hope that some epidemiologists will pick interest and sacrifice their time towards finding the cause, treatment, or cure for the disease.  UK based Ugandan doctors led by Dr. Ceaser Acaye, Dr. John Opio, and Dr Acellam Odong are said to be at the forefront of the fundraising campaign.

Ms Belinda Atim, a key member of the organising committee said, “…this is a non-partisan and non-tribal event.  We are driven purely by our God given instincts to empathise with and offer support to downtrodden children who clearly can’t help themselves.  We call upon all people of goodwill in Uganda and around the world to join us in the fight against this monstrous nodding disease that is threatening to wipe out an entire generation of future leaders.”

The Spokesperson for Acoli Community Open Forum [ACOF] Mr. Lee Opiyo said the organising committee has so far secured some wonderful art works by Ricardo Morgan and Christopher Lakony that will be auctioned to raise funds.  Mr. Charles Okwir, a London based Lawyer and author has also offered copies of his book ‘Portrait of a Despot’ to be auctioned on the day to boost the fundraising drive.

Food will be free and drinks will be available for sale on the day of the event.  As for entertainment, the organisers say slots have been reserved for some live Nanga (Naa music) by Okot Malan followed by a mix of African music and traditional Acholi storytelling called ‘ododo’.  The public transport connections to the event are:

Nearest Train Stations: – South Bermondsey  or Surrey Quays

Buses:

• No. 1 and N1 from Holborn to Canada Water/Surrey Quay via Elephant & Castle going towards Titmuss Avenue
• No 381 & from Peckham to Waterloo via Canada Water.
• No. 199 from Catford Bus Garage to Surrey Quays and 188 from Euston Station to Surrey Quays.
• Other useful connections include Nos. 47, N47, 53, N381, 453, N551.

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