Buliisa — THE cholera epidemic that was reported in Hoima District and several parts of West Nile has expanded to Buliisa District.

"There is an outbreak of cholera in the district," Dr Francis Nyakoojo, the Buliisa District director of health services said on Wednesday.

He said the deadly disease has so far claimed the lives of two residents and left over 30 people hospitalised.

He said the patients are admitted at Buliisa Health Centre. He said the areas most affected by disease are Bugoigo,Biiso and Wanseko. Dr. Nyakoojo said many residents of the affected areas that are on the shores of Lake Albert have no toilets.

He said the residents excrete in nearby bushes while fishermen ease themselves in the lake. He said poor human waste management exposes residents to such diseases.

Bugoigo primary school consequently been closed following the outbreak. "One of the cholera victims lived next to our school," Mr Bazoora Mukitale the school's headteacher said.

He said the school was closed in public interest to safeguard teachers and the pupils.