NELSON KATO
Local leaders in Bugangari Sub-county, Rukungiri District, have voiced concerns over resistance from some religious groups towards child vaccination and education services. The call was spearheaded by Bugangari Sub-county LC3 Chairperson, Mr. Jaston Byamukama, who highlighted the issue while speaking with our reporter about the ongoing vaccination drive in the area.
Mr. Byamukama expressed frustration with members of the Seventh-day Adventist community, stating that their religious beliefs often prevent them from participating in communal activities, including child immunization and education. He revealed that authorities had to use force and involve security officers to ensure that children received vaccinations in a recent campaign.
Echoing these concerns, Andrew Kanyasi, the LC2 Chairperson of Bugangari Parish, pointed out that Pentecostal Christians also refuse to bring their children for vaccinations and education services, particularly on days of worship. Kanyasi condemned this as an act of ignorance and emphasized the need for more awareness and cooperation.
Amino Onzo, the GISO of Bugangari Parish, corroborated these reports, noting that members of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God have similarly failed to present their children at immunization centers. Onzo stated that investigations are ongoing to understand the root causes of this resistance. He cited a recent incident where local leaders had to intervene forcefully to ensure a Primary Seven candidate, whose parents initially withheld him from sitting his Primary Leaving Examinations, could attend.
Onzo mentioned that some Pentecostal Christians attribute their reluctance to financial challenges, such as a lack of school fees, while he continues to probe the reasons behind their unwillingness to vaccinate their children.
In response, Turinawe Ronald, a councillor representing Pentecostal Assemblies of God Christians in Kazindiro Parish, refuted these accusations, labeling them as falsehoods. Ronald argued that the criticism stems from bias against Pentecostal believers and emphasized that vaccine resistance is not exclusive to their community but is present among other religious groups and residents as well. He called on local leaders and the wider community to seek accurate information and conduct proper research before making public statements about their practices.
Ronald urged for fair treatment and engagement in meaningful dialogue to address these concerns collectively.
