Mukono– The Ministry of Health has raised concern over dangerous beliefs and misleading teachings by some religious groups that discourage people from seeking medical treatment, leading many to avoid hospitals and, in some cases, resulting in preventable deaths.
This was revealed by Dr. Silver Kasozi from the Ministry of Health during a stakeholders’ engagement attended by various leaders, including religious leaders, village chairpersons, boda boda leaders, and other community representatives. The meeting was organized to strengthen efforts in combating the spread of dangerous diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other health conditions.
Dr. Kasozi called upon religious leaders to use their platforms and influence within communities to condemn practices that prevent parents from taking children for immunization and discourage sick people from visiting health facilities for proper treatment. He emphasized that such misconceptions continue to put many lives at risk.
He further noted that some religious leaders have gone to the extent of instructing their followers to reject medicine and rely solely on prayer, a practice he strongly condemned. He urged faith leaders to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Health to ensure communities receive accurate health information and access the treatment they need.
Mr. James Kaweesa, who is responsible for malaria prevention in Mukono District, highlighted key factors contributing to the increasing malaria burden, including stagnant water around homes, poor sanitation, overgrown bushes near residential areas, and failure to consistently use treated mosquito nets.
He particularly warned that mothers and children remain the most vulnerable groups to malaria infections and urged families to prioritize hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and the regular use of mosquito nets.
Dr. Silver Kasozi also encouraged pregnant mothers to seek timely medical care to prevent complications related to deadly diseases.
Participants in the engagement, led by Rev. Harriet Wamulima, who oversees health matters in the Diocese of Mukono, pledged to spread the health messages they had received and mobilize communities to actively fight the spread of diseases.
Meanwhile, the Mukono District Health Department organized a health camp targeting youth living in ghetto communities in Mukono, Buikwe, and Kayunga districts. The initiative aimed at educating young people on disease prevention and providing direct medical services.
More than 200 youth were screened and treated for illnesses including malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other common health conditions.
Some of the beneficiaries, led by Samuel Ssempala, revealed that fear of going to hospitals for testing especially for HIV often drives many young people to self-medicate, abuse alcohol and drugs, and ignore symptoms instead of seeking proper medical attention.
Nnalongo Ritah Nyirahanje, leader of Ba Neekolera Gyange in Mukono, encouraged ghetto youth to embrace preventive health services, particularly HIV prevention interventions, assuring them that these services are safe and beneficial.
Dr. Daisy Ssarah Ssonko Nabatanzi, former contestant for Mukono Municipality MP (2026–2031), commended the Ministry of Health for reaching out to marginalized communities and urged the government to sustain and expand such health outreach programs across the country to reduce disease prevalence and prevent transmission to others.
The Ministry of Health’s continued engagement with religious leaders, local authorities, and vulnerable communities reflects a growing commitment to addressing both health challenges and the misconceptions that fuel them. Leaders have been urged to work together in promoting accurate health information, encouraging timely treatment, and ensuring that no one avoids life-saving medical care due to fear, stigma, or misleading beliefs.
Through collective action, strengthened community sensitization, and expanded health outreach programs, Uganda can make significant progress in reducing the burden of preventable diseases and building healthier, more informed communities.
