By Rev. Derrick Kaddu Mbojjana
MUKONO – Mukono District leaders have launched a renewed campaign against malaria, calling on local leaders and communities to take greater responsibility for environmental sanitation and collective action as the district intensifies efforts to eliminate one of Uganda’s deadliest diseases.
The campaign was unveiled during a half-day planning meeting held on Tuesday at Ddundu Parish in Kyampisi Sub-county, hosted at the residence of former Vice President Dr. Specioza Wandera Kazibwe. The meeting brought together political leaders, health officials, technical staff, local council leaders, parish chiefs and development partners to chart the implementation of the Ministry of Health’s Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2026–2030) in Mukono’s high-burden communities.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Moses Muyambi challenged local leaders to move beyond politics and take ownership of efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by promoting environmental sanitation.
“We must work together for the wellbeing of our communities by clearing bushes, draining stagnant water and maintaining clean surroundings,” Muyambi said, adding that residents should avoid self-medication and instead seek proper diagnosis and treatment from qualified health facilities.
Ms Anna Lubuulwa, Secretary for Education, Health, Trade and Community Based Services representing Chairperson LCV Francis Lukooya Mukoome reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting the malaria elimination programme.
She praised Dr. Kazibwe for championing the initiative, expressing optimism that increased community awareness would significantly reduce malaria infections and deaths across the district.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Stephen Muhumuza said the district would prioritise public education, community mobilisation and coordinated implementation to ensure the campaign succeeds.
District Health Officer Dr. Stephen Mulindwa said government had strengthened the district’s emergency healthcare system by providing four ambulances and pledged that mosquito net distribution would continue to protect vulnerable households.
He reiterated the district’s commitment to reducing malaria-related illness and deaths through improved prevention and treatment.
Data presented by District Vector Control Officer James Kaweesa showed that malaria remains particularly prevalent in parishes bordering wetlands and forests, including Kyampisi, Kasawo and Namuganga.
Kaweesa warned that malaria continues to undermine education, household incomes, maternal health and economic productivity, urging residents to consistently sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, seek testing before treatment and embrace child vaccination programmes.
In an emotional testimony, Dr. Specioza Wandera Kazibwe revealed that she nearly died after contracting severe malaria during the 2025 New Year festivities, requiring admission to an Intensive Care Unit.
She said the experience reinforced her determination to support community-based malaria control initiatives.
Dr. Kazibwe also cited successful interventions around her farm, where coordinated testing, treatment and environmental management significantly reduced malaria cases.
Busoga Health Forum Executive Director Moses Kyangwa shared lessons from the region’s malaria reduction programme, highlighting community mobilisation, indoor and outdoor spraying, mass testing and continuous surveillance as key pillars behind its progress.
Mosquito control specialist Dr. Fredrick Kabbale advocated an integrated approach combining mosquito net use, indoor residual spraying, environmental sanitation and destruction of mosquito breeding sites.
He also announced plans to recruit and train youth brigades to support spraying operations, household mapping and community sensitisation throughout Mukono District.
The meeting resolved to establish a District Malaria Elimination Committee, prioritise high-risk parishes, develop district and parish by-laws against misuse of mosquito nets, strengthen community awareness campaigns, train village health publicity teams and spray operators, expand household testing and treatment, involve schools in malaria education and enhance surveillance and monitoring systems.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from district leaders, health professionals and development partners to work together in implementing the Ministry of Health’s malaria elimination strategy.
Officials said sustained collaboration between government, local leaders, health workers and communities will be critical in reducing infections, saving lives and ultimately making Mukono District malaria-free.
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