Ntungamo — Nineteen people have died and 188 hospitalised since the out break of the cholera epidemic in Ntungamo district on January 11.

The District Health Inspector Francis Twesigye on Monday said 10 people died from health units while nine others are suspected to have died in their homes.

"More than eight cases of cholera patients were reported daily since the out break, until January 28 when only 3 were registered," he said.

Mr Twesigye said the last death was reported on January 25. He said a cholera treatment centre had been opened at Rubaare Health Centre IV.

Residents initially thought it was diarrhoea until January 16 when the first laboratory test revealed it was cholera.

The District Director of Health Services William Karikwitsya said they suspect the disease could have been contracted from someone who had died of the disease in Kampala, but was buried in Ntungamo on January 8.

Mr Twesigye said the disease is common in sub-counties of Rubaare (especially Rukiri and Mutojo parishes) Ngoma, Rwikinoro, Kayonza and Rugarama.

He said district leaders had intensified health education and inspection in the communities.

He said they have purchased drugs and supplies to treat the disease.

Meanwhile, Mr Twesigye and district inspector of schools have launched a joint venture to assess hygiene in schools ahead of opening for the first term on February 5. Mr Tweigye said schools with poor sanitation would not be allowed to open.