The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Politicians who have resorted to walking barefoot to make political statements are exposing themselves to several infections, according to health experts.
Forum for Democratic Change – FDC party presidential candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat arrived barefoot at the nomination center after a scuffle with security officer. The dramatic scene attracted public’s attention and sympathy.
Amuriat has since been walking barefooted as a signature stunt, following events on his nomination day when he was dragged to the nomination venue in Kyambogo after losing his shoes in a scuffle with the police. He has since then launched a nationwide crusade dubbed “barefoot revolution” in protest of the indignity meted against him. With time many FDC candidates in different areas have adopted it.
While moving in feet may give some politicians political mileage, health experts say this exposes politician to severe infections like worms, tetanus, scabies, and bilharzia.
Dr Fred Mulabya, an environment health specialist at the ministry of health says the move which might look heroic, is exposing the candidates to several avoidable infections.
According to Mulabya, the ground is full of different kinds of disease helminths such as hookworms that can lead to death of not treated early. Apart from exposing one to diseases, walking in feet can lead to cracks, sores and even swelling of feet.
Similarly, Dr Moses Byaruhanga, a general practitioner says walking barefoot exposes the feet to sharp objects.
“The most immediate things people are likely to face is getting cut or pricked by sharp objects like needles. This can lead to all sorts of infections like HIV even especially if the sharp object has already pricked an infected person,” he said.
Perez Rumanzi, a former journalist at the Daily Monitor now contesting for Ntungamo Municipality parliamentary seat is one of the FDC candidates that have adopted the barefoot campaign. He, however, notes that he is aware of the health complication related to the act.
Rumanzi explains that before he embarked on barefoot during his door to door campaigns, he was advised to take a tetanus vaccine. He also adds that he takes precaution of the area whether they are going and the weather. For instance, the former journalist points out that on rainy days, there are places like slums where he might not go barefooted.
Rumanzi further adds that although he has not got any injury, there are times when he feels like he cannot move the foot anymore but given his commitment to the ‘revolution’ he keeps moving as a sign of suffering.
Scientists say that walking barefoot can strengthen the immune system, reduce the risk of high blood pressure by increasing the charge of red blood cells hence decreasing blood thickness. It can also regulate the nervous system by decreasing feelings of anxiety or depression.
Despite all the health complications that FDC flag bearers might be exposing themselves to, John Kikonyogo, the party deputy spokesperson says they are confident that whoever chose to be part of the barefoot revolution will do it up to the last day.
“Many Ugandans move barefoot daily and just like them, our candidates and Amuriat in particular are ready to soldier on, so far we have covered over 30 days and I think now they are used; nothing much will happen,” says Kikonyogo.
Previously, Amuriat’s barefoot campaign suffered a set back after his feet were reportedly injured during a scuffle with security operatives. According to Amuriat, two toes on his foot were injured after security operatives repeatedly stepped on his feet. As a result, he spent a few days limping.
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