The Government of Uganda, under the Ministry of Health, have launched a vaccination campaign targeting 49 districts in regions such as Busoga, Bukedi, Teso, Bugisu, and Karamoja. The campaign aims to combat diseases like polio, measles, and other deadly illnesses affecting newborns and children under the age of five. The immunization exercise officially kicked off today, with Iganga District holding its launch in Nawansega, Namungalwe Town Council, where some resistance has been observed.
It has been reported that worshippers of the group known as “Triple Six” (Njili-nkalu) have been resistant to various government programs, including immunization and census efforts. Speaking to the media, Iganga’s Deputy RDC, Kato Dauda, noted that a private school in Bulanga Children Centre, Namungalwe, led by headteacher Julius Muwanguzi, refused to allow children in nursery school, specifically those under five, to be vaccinated. However, Kato said they have intervened and expect compliance by tomorrow. He emphasized that while they are trying to show mercy, force and arrests will be used if the resistance to government programs continues.
Dr. Mwebaza Karim Muluya, the Assistant District Health Officer (ADHO), confirmed that the vaccination exercise began today and will run until Sunday, October 6th, 2024. He urged parents and guardians to allow their children to be vaccinated, as this will reduce the risk of children contracting deadly diseases. He also called on those resisting the vaccination efforts to embrace government initiatives for the welfare of the community.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nakaffero Brenda Isimbwa, an epidemiologist from the Ministry of Health who is supervising the exercise in Iganga, condemned the actions of resistant parents. She stressed the importance of collective effort for successful outcomes and thanked the parents who have supported the government’s programs, ensuring their children grow up in a healthier environment.
