NEWS- Health officials in Ibanda are on tenterhook following the increase of HIV/AIDS new cases in the District.
Speaking to our reporter, Juliet Kyomuhendo the Ibanda District Health Educator who is also District HIV Focal person says currently HIV prevalence rate stands at 7% from 5% which is higher compared to the national prevalence rate of 6% with the total number of over 10,000 people currently enrolled on Antiretroviral therapy-ART.
She adds that from January 2022 up to March 2023 the District recorded 267 new cases of HIV, from April to June 2023 recorded 10 new cases while July to December 2023 the district recorded 293 new cases of HIV.
Kyomuhendo further revealed that a total number of 11,583 currently enrolled on antiretroviral therapy-ART across the District and the number keeps on increasing every day. She adds that among 11,583, about 11,176 are on the first line, 399 are on the second line while 8 are on the third line.
She adds that among 11,583, who are enrolled on antiretroviral therapy, 203 are children who are below 10 years, 449 are between 10 to 19 years, 6013 are between 20 to 39 years, and 2838 are between 40 to 49years while 280 are above 50 years.
Kyomuhendo further says the HIV/AIDS black spots in Ibanda are Mpiira Street, Igorora Town council, Ishongororo Town council And Kanyarugiri Town council. She says at Mpiira Street according to survey that was done recently 6 out of 10 people tested positive.
In other news, Eric Ssewandigi, the Deputy RDC of Rubanda District, confirmed the arrest of Benon Kahangi, the district’s Production Officer. Kahangi stands accused of various offenses, including forgery and misappropriation of funds totaling 21 million shillings.
Allegations suggest Kahangi manipulated documents, including supplier signatures, delivery notes, receipts, and store records, resulting in fraudulent acquisition. Further investigations revealed additional misappropriations, diverting funds intended for payment to extension workers.
Ssewandigi revealed that Kahangi narrowly escaped arrest on Monday due to a tip-off from district colleagues. However, authorities lured him back to Rubanda District, promising to resolve the issues amicably without immediate arrests.
The accusations against Kahangi extend to misappropriating over 120 million shillings intended for purchasing science equipment and furniture for a new district structure, where the production office operates. Investigations also indicate Kahangi forged senior staff signatures to siphon off public funds.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, an unnamed internal auditor disavowed any involvement by stating that their signature was never authorized on Kahangi’s documents.
In a letter to law enforcement, Alex Kwizera, the Rubanda District Chief Administrative Officer, raised serious concerns about Kahangi’s handling of public resources, urging authorities to demand accountability regarding the whereabouts of the misappropriated funds.
As of now, Kahangi is detained at Rubanda Police Station pending court appearances for alleged financial misconduct. Investigations into the matter continue.
