KANUNGU, UGANDA – The Office of the Resident District Commissioner in Kanungu has issued a stern warning to boda boda riders, parents, and guardians against exposing school-going children to harsh weather conditions, following a worrying rise in pneumonia cases.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The warning was issued by the Kanungu District Deputy RDC, Dr. Ahimbisibwe Gad Rugaju (PhD), following a recent report that attributed a surge in childhood pneumonia cases to negligence and a blatant disregard for children’s safety.
The urgency of the warning is underscored by recent health reports indicating that Uganda’s under-5 mortality rate currently stands at approximately 35 deaths per 1,000 live births.
According to the report, pneumonia remains a leading cause of these deaths, a tragedy often linked to preventable factors like cold exposure, malnutrition, and limited healthcare access.
Deputy RDC Dr. Rugaju expressed deep concern over a sharp increase in the number of children being admitted to hospitals with pneumonia in Kanungu district. He attributed the surge to the dangerous practice of transporting infants and young children on motorcycles without any protection from harsh weather conditions.
He explained that many children are placed on fuel tanks in front of riders during school commutes, where their exposed chests bear the full force of cold wind and rain, making them vulnerable to respiratory infections.
“Children are being transported on motorcycles without adequate clothing in cold weather. More alarmingly, riders are carrying them on fuel tanks, where their chests act as windbreakers, directly exposing vulnerable lungs to cold wind and rain,” Dr. Rugaju stated.
Dr. Rugaju expressed frustration that traffic officers often witness these violations without intervening, allowing the endangerment of children to continue unchecked.
Consequently, the RDC issued clear directives ordering parents to dress children warmly during commutes and banning boda boda riders from carrying children on fuel tanks.
Traffic officers have been instructed to enforce the law without fear or favor, arresting any rider found carrying a child without proper wind protection or a helmet.
“It is frustrating that traffic officers witness these violations without intervening. I have now issued clear directives: parents must dress children warmly; riders are prohibited from carrying children on fuel tanks; and officers must enforce the law by arresting any violators,” Dr. Rugaju stated.
Health experts recommend that parents protect children from pneumonia by ensuring complete vaccination, exclusive breastfeeding for infants, proper nutrition, regular handwashing, and keeping them away from indoor smoke.
They further advise caregivers to seek immediate medical help if a child shows danger signs such as fast or difficult breathing, persistent cough, fever, or chest in-drawing.
