For the past one month, the media in Uganda has been awash with stories concerning jigger infestation in Busoga region. One might think that the jigger epidemic started, or even came to light just a couple of weeks ago. However, the infestation by this parasite has been with us for longer than has been reported. But the earliest record (on the internet) goes back to June 2008, when some Honorable Members of Parliament from Busoga vowed to arrest anyone infested with this parasite saying that, “It is total negligence for any sane Ugandan to suffer from jiggers”. Two years down the road one simply wonders whether it is not these very leaders that could have neglected their own people. Because why would they be the ones washing their electorate’s jigger-infested feet right now, hurriedly ridding them of jiggers, just four months ahead of the 2011 general elections?

The media has done a very commendable job of relentlessly reporting about this issue. You will find more than forty stories (articles, opinions, news pieces and letters) on this ‘subject: most of them written in the last one month. And this has happened during the time when government is trying to consolidate its achievements ahead of next year’s general elections. However, the fact that the government has finally launched a campaign to rid the country of jiggers emphasizes the role and influence of the media on guiding government action and policy. Or should I say forcing it to act when it veers of course and neglecting its duty in the process?! Interestingly, what would have been seen as neleglect will turn into heroism and the government will be assured of bagging some votes for its actions early next year.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as The Busoga Health Sensitisation Networks (BHSN) and PLAN International have done their part. These came in to help in 2009; almost a year after the MPs had vowed to make arrests. This has also shown how important the role such organizations is. Much as they might be ill funded, they bring a ray of hope to some of the people as the leadership is still ignoring their plight or when it is unable to act.

Several people have written. Blame has been apportioned: poor sanitation and hygiene, ignorance, laziness, neglect and poverty among others. Jiggers have caused death, incapacitated several and have even been blamed for poor performance in school. Suggestions to curb the problem have also been made: treatment, eradication by spraying, sensitization as well as eradication of poverty and empowerment of the poor who are the worst hit. And the voices have been hearkened to. For that is what the action by the state would imply. Government launched its campaign on October 13 2010 with a gloved Prince William Nadiope of Busoga providing manicure to his subjects while the cameras flushed away.

Prince William Nadiope treating his subjects in Kamuli District

Although the timing and location of the launch might be questionable, the fact that efforts have finally been made is very much appreciated. Maybe one would have expected that since the incidence that brought this whole saga to light occurred in Bugiri district, the Wakooli of Bukooli (Chief David Muluuya Kawunye) and Hon Fred Mukisa,(State Minister for Fisheries in Uganda and MP for Bukooli county in Bugiri) would have spearhead the campaign. But the campaign was launched by the Gabula of Bugabula Prince William Nadiope and Hon. Rebecca Kadaga Woman MP for Kamuli. In Kamuli district. Anyway, the campaign was launched. The victims received treatment, slippers and basins. No mention has been made about approaches to deal with the economic empowerment of these people. And yet it should be obvious that if they cannot afford to buy soap, one wash at the campaign launch wouldn’t be sufficient to qualify them as being hygienic. Even if they now have a pair of slippers and a basin. Government efforts may soon go to waste if poverty is not addressed. The slippers on their own cannot protect these people from the jiggers since jiggers can jump up to twenty centimeters off the ground. A slipper is no more than two centimeters thick! The slippers will also surely wear out soon. One wonders what the lasting strategy is.

Interestingly what would have been seen, by the suffering poor, as neglect by government or local leadership, is going to turn into heroism. And definitely the ruling party and politicians involved in this campaign are bound to benefit through the ballot box come 2011. We are very likely to hear statements such as “We are the ones who helped you get rid of jiggers…” as the movement drags home sack-loads of votes from this region. The sort of thing that happens when new districts are created and roads are tarmacked or graded.

But as the jigger politics rages on in the background, I found it interesting to chronicle the debate in the media that finally led the government into action. I have collected close to fifty titles (and their links) that have featured this subject. Maybe you missed reading some of them. Now you will be able to just click and catch up with the unfolding of events and the debate.

Below are the various stories on jiggers that have appeared in the Ugandan media.