PDM: Nodding Syndrome afflicted families demand for special funding

KITGUM– Local leaders in Kitgum district are demanding special funding under the Parish Development Module [PDM] for families afflicted by Nodding Syndrome. The Government is effective this financial year is injecting Shs 100 million per parish in the country to fight household poverty.

Currently, over 3000 cases of Nodding Syndrome, have been recorded in Acholi Sub-region districts of Omoro, Kitgum, Pader, and Gulu among others.

Susan Achan, 45, a mother of a child suffering from the disease Nodding Syndrome in Bongo Lakur village in Labongo Akwang Sub-county said she will be unable to benefit from the PDM because most times she is tied at home, looking after her sick son.

Sunday Otim, another parent of the Nodding Syndrome affected child said that the funds can be used to establish retail shops to support their families.

According to Otim, setting up a workshop for arts and crafts, tailoring, weaving, and mechanics among other vocational income-generating activities would help raise money for families affected by Nodding Syndrome.

Richard Ocitti, the LCI Chairperson of Bongo Lakur village said that most families affected by the disease are forced to pay close attention to their children to prevent them from either drowning, falling, or getting burnt, as such, they don’t have time to join community groups to discuss development issues.

“Since PDM is meant to eradicate household poverty, the families afflicted by Nodding Syndrome must also benefit but under a special programme since they can’t join community groups,” Ocitti said.

PP Okin Ojara, the Chua West Member of Parliament said the demands by both the afflicted families and local leaders have been discussed by Members of the Acholi Parliamentary Group [APG].

He said a motion seeking to get government attention and possible funding for Nodding Syndrome afflicted families in Acholi was raised by Kitgum Woman Member of Parliament Lilian Aber.

In the 10th Parliament, government allocated Shs 1.3 billion to support Nodding Syndrome afflicted families, which has however had less impact.

The families and leaders were speaking Saturday during a visit to Tumangu Nodding Syndrome Disease center, which has since collapsed. This was during a charity walk organised by Irene Gleeson Foundation to raise funds for Nodding Syndrome victims.

Rukia Nakadama, third Deputy Prime Minister declined to make promises saying that the demands will be forwarded to the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet for further discussions.

https://thecooperator.news/well-wishers-contribute-over-shs-180mln-for-nodding-syndrome-victims/

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