Uganda Forex Bureau Association Donates Shs2.5M Towards Epilepsy Awareness In Uganda

Posted by: lukwago J in Uganda news February 2, 2021

In an effort to raise public awareness about epilepsy in Uganda, Uganda Forex Bureau, and Money Remittance Association has donated Shs 2.5 million towards sensitization of masses about epilepsy.

Kiiza Lamek the association chairman says the donation will go along way to sensitizing and raising public awareness about the stigma and discrimination of epilepsy victims in society.

“We support the epilepsy cause because epilepsy in Uganda is neglected. There so many epilepsy patients suffering from denial and stigma in society yet corporate organizations supporting cancer and polio can prioritize epilepsy in their corporate social responsibility programs, “Kiiza said.

However, he challenged other Corporate organizations to follow suit and sponsor epilepsy awareness campaigns. This he says will help to reduce stigma and increase access to health care by victims.

Dr. Angelina Kakooza from the ministry of health noted that there are 10.3 million epilepsy patients in Uganda. With all these, access to health care is still limited in society.

Nina Mago Purple Bench Initiative founder said Uganda will join the rest of the world to celebrate international epilepsy day. They will also launch two campaigns under the theme:

50 million steps for epilepsy let’s shine a light on epilepsy on 8th February.

According to her, the campaign also aims to step up epilepsy awareness among the population in Uganda.

“Then let’s shine a light epilepsy campaign will be an opportunity highlight the challenges faced by people affected by epilepsy and their caregivers. It is planned that several landmarks and buildings around the world will be like purple to mark the day,” Mago said.

The Purple Bench Initiative is an NGO that works to increase awareness of the condition. It then provides psycho-social support to people living with epilepsy and their caregivers in Uganda.

Epilepsy in Uganda

According to medical records, epilepsy prevalence is high in children aged 15 years in Wakiso and Northern Uganda districts.

Wilson Asiimwe a researcher says challenges facing developing countries is to raise awareness to bring epilepsy ‘out of the shadows

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