Mukono District has officially launched the Mukono Malaria Eradication Initiative, a new campaign aimed at eliminating malaria and reducing its impact on communities across the district.
The initiative is being spearheaded by former Vice President Dr. Specioza Wandera Kazibwe Naigaga through the District Health Department in partnership with the Busoga Health Forum.
The initiative was unveiled during an entry meeting held at the CAO’s Boardroom, bringing together political leaders, technical officers, health officials, and development partners to discuss implementation strategies for the programme.
Among the leaders who attended the meeting were the Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Henry Ddamba, Deputy CAO Mr. Steven Muhumuza, Resident District Commissioner Hajjati Fatuma Ndisaba Nabittaka, District Health Officer Dr. Steven Mulindwa, Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome, district council leaders, heads of departments, and representatives from the Busoga Health Forum.
While welcoming participants, CAO Mr. Henry Ddamba introduced the Busoga Malaria Elimination Program (BMEP) as a successful community-based model that has already registered positive results in parts of Busoga, particularly in Nawanyinyi Sub-county. He encouraged leaders and stakeholders in Mukono to embrace the programme and work collectively towards eliminating malaria within the district.
The Busoga Malaria Elimination Program focuses on prevention, testing, treatment, vector control, surveillance, and community mobilization. According to presentations made during the meeting, the model has already mapped more than 6,955 households, mobilized over 2,000 volunteers, and conducted mass spraying and testing campaigns in pilot communities. More than 25,000 people have been tested, while thousands of malaria-positive cases have received immediate treatment.
Addressing the gathering, Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome welcomed Dr. Kazibwe and her team for extending the initiative to Mukono District, noting that malaria continues to be one of the major causes of poverty among households.
He explained that although treatment in government health facilities may be free, families still spend large amounts of money on patient care and recovery, resources that could otherwise support productive economic activities.
“Health challenges are among the leading causes of poverty in our communities. Mukono has many malaria hotspots because of its proximity to lake shores and forested areas. We are ready to work together and support this programme through council,” Hon. Lukooya stated.
The District Malaria Focal Person, Mr. James Kaweesa, revealed that nearly 60 percent of patients visiting health facilities in Mukono are malaria suspects. He identified hotspot areas including Namuganga, Ntunda, Nama, Kyampisi, and several lake shore communities.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Specioza Wandera Kazibwe, who currently serves as the Presidential Senior Advisor on Population and Health and Senior Advisor at Busoga Health Forum, emphasized that the programme aims beyond malaria control and seeks complete eradication of parasites.
She observed that despite malaria killing many Ugandans every day, the disease receives less public attention compared to outbreaks such as Ebola and COVID-19.
“Government spends huge sums of money fighting diseases affecting a few people, yet malaria continues killing many Ugandans every day. If we eliminate malaria, communities will save money spent on treatment and instead invest it in fighting poverty,” Dr. Kazibwe said.
She called upon political leaders to take responsibility for mobilizing communities and ensuring full participation in the initiative.
Mukono District Speaker Hon. Hajji Asuman Muhumuza applauded all stakeholders supporting the programme, noting that successful malaria eradication would improve education, reduce poverty, and strengthen family welfare within communities.
Resident District Commissioner Hajjati Fatuma Ndisaba Nabittaka also commended Dr. Kazibwe and her team for prioritizing the health needs of Mukono residents.
She stressed that malaria remains a major burden because families continue spending significant amounts of money on treatment and care.
“This initiative brings all departments together for one purpose. If leaders fail to address the real problems affecting communities and only focus on symptoms, then no real progress can be achieved,” the RDC remarked.
Meanwhile, health officials called for the integration of sanitation and hygiene campaigns into the malaria eradication programme and recommended that implementation begin with the identified hotspot sub-counties.
To coordinate implementation, stakeholders agreed to form a district committee tasked with drafting a Mukono-specific concept paper to be presented before the District Council for approval and guidance.
The committee will be led by Deputy CAO Mr. Steven Muhumuza and includes District Health Officer Dr. Steven Mulindwa, District Planner Mr. Collines Ssebadduka, District Community Development Officer Ms. Minisa Kirya Namukose, and District Communication Officer Mr. Kaddu Derrick.
Dr. Kazibwe also challenged Ugandans, especially the youth, to embrace patriotism and focus on solving African challenges using local knowledge and resources instead of over dependence on foreign interventions.
She urged elders to mentor young people to love their country and work towards community transformation rather than focusing only on personal financial gain.
“Development begins with mindset change. Uganda has enough resources to solve its own problems if people unite and think for themselves,” she emphasized.
The meeting concluded with district leaders and stakeholders unanimously agreeing to support the Mukono Malaria Eradication Initiative as part of efforts to build healthier, more productive, and malaria-free communities across the district.
The launch of the Mukono Malaria Eradication Initiative marks a major step in the district’s efforts to improve public health, reduce poverty, and strengthen community productivity. Leaders emphasized that fighting malaria is not only a health priority but also an economic and social development strategy.
With strong collaboration between political leaders, technical teams, health experts, and communities, Mukono District now looks forward to implementing a coordinated and community-driven programme aimed at eliminating malaria and improving the quality of life for all residents.
