Diaspora Ugandans Launch Anti-nodding Disease Campaign

She added: "We call upon all people of goodwill in Uganda and around the world to join us in the fight against this monstrous nodding disease that is threatening to wipe out an entire generation of future leaders.”

[Global: Uganda Diaspora]

A cross section of gravely concerned Ugandans based in the United Kingdom who say they are dissatisfied with the government’s lukewarm response to tackling the so-called “nodding disease” are launching a humanitarian fundraising drive to support victims of the disease.

The inaugural fundraising event is scheduled to take place on Saturday 3, March 2012  from 2.30pm till late at St. Gertrude’s RCCH Social Club, Corbett’s Lane London SE16 2BQ, Surrey Quays.
 
The fundraising initiative is meant to mobilise funds from sympathisers in the U.K., in Uganda, in other African countries, and across the globe to fund further research into the cause and possible treatment for the alien disease that has attacked children in wide areas in parts of the northern part of Uganda since 2008. An estimated 3,000 children in the Ugandan districts of Gulu, Kitgum, and Pader have so far been affected and nearly 2,000 have since died from the debilitating disease.

At present, there is no treatment or cure for the disease. Part of the funds raised, the organisers say, will go towards supporting social care demands faced by families affected by the disease. The campaign’s other key objective is raise awareness within the global scientific community in the hope that some epidemiologists will pick interest and sacrifice their time towards finding the cause, treatment, or cure for the disease.

A team of UK based Doctors and Acoli Community Open Forum (ACOF) committee members are at the forefront of the fundraising campaign. “This is a non-partisan event,” said Belinda Atim, noting that the campaign also does not favor any ethnic grouping. “We are driven purely by our God given instincts to empathise with and offer support to downtrodden children who clearly can’t help themselves.”

She added: “We call upon all people of goodwill in Uganda and around the world to join us in the fight against this monstrous nodding disease that is threatening to wipe out an entire generation of future leaders.” 
 
Lee Oryema, an ACOF spokesperson noted that the organising team has secured some wonderful art works by Ricardo Morgan and Christopher Lakony who are London-based artists that will be auctioned to raise funds towards the cause. 

Ms Atim also added that Charles Okwir, the London-based Lawyer and author of “Portrait of a Despot” has offered copies of his book to be auctioned on the day to boost the fundraising drive.

Food will be free and drinks will be available for sale on the day of the event.  There will be entertainment, with some live Nanga (Naa music) by Okot Malan followed by African dance music and traditional African-Acholi storytelling called “ododo”.

Public Transport: Nearest Train Stations: – South Bermondsey  or Surrey Quays.
Buses: No. 1 and N1 from Holborn to Canada Water/Surrey Quay via Elephant & Castle going towards Titmuss Avenue. No 381 & from Peckham to Waterloo via Canada Water.

No. 199 from Catford Bus Garage to Surrey Quays and 188 from Euston Station to Surrey Quays.
Other useful connections include Nos. 47, N47, 53, N381, 453, N551.

For further comments: contact Ms Belinda Atim on +447778 047 900  or Lee Oryema on +447597718906…..

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