Syphilis in the Uganda protectorate / by F.J. Lambkin.

  • Lambkin, F. J.
Date:
[1908]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Syphilis in the Uganda protectorate / by F.J. Lambkin. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    + PF. J. Lambkin y in the summary of evidence, is strong proof that the abolition of: polygamy had at least a very great deal to do with the outbreak of the disease. As to the second cause, doubtless the custom which had pre- viously existed among the tribes of administering punishment for immoral offences had a deterring effect, and in this way acted as a safeguard. The abolition of these punishments encouraged the commission of these crimes, and lent itself to the propagation of the disease among the people. Spread : the Main Cause-—With abt to the spread of the disease, with its consequent intensification, there can be little doubt as to what was the main cause. The country has been opened up from the East. his allowed of free ingress of the Indian-Swahili traders from the coast, who not only acted as mediums for the spread of syphilis in their wanderings throughout the country, but also introduced into the Protectorate much fresh disease. The evidence on this point is unanimous. Other causes are alluded to as aiding the spread of syphilis. The first is, 1m my opinion at least, a “doubtful” one. It is said that the Bahima were, to a great extent, responsible for its dis- semination. This tribe, otherwise known as the ‘“‘ Cow” tribe, are shepherds, and live a wandering or bedouin life. The Rev. J. Roscoe, C.M.S., who has made a special study of this people, says in his evidence: ‘‘ There is another medium through which I think syphilis has widely spread, viz., the presence in Uganda of a cer- tain number of the Bahima tribe (the Cow people of Ankole), a migratory tribe, amongst whom some curious customs exist. Thus, after a woman is married, all sexual restrictions are thrown to the winds. She may welcome to her bed any of her husband’s friends or relatives with impunity. When a friend visits a man, he sleeps in the same bed with him and his wife, and the rules of hospitality are such that the host must leave his wife to his friend in the early morning. When a man is absent from home, and a visitor arrives, the wife must entertain him, and, if he should so desire it, act as his wife. It may well be imagined, then, what a fruitful source for the dissemination of syphilis and other venereal diseases the Bahima are.’ Lieutenant-Colonel Will, R.A.M.C., remarks: “In the province of Uganda, the Bahima (Cow tribe), who are migratory, are responsible in a great measure for spreading the disease.” In the course of my investigation I discovered the existence of
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