The Ministry of Health has reported a surging measles outbreak currently affecting 20 districts, with children under the age of five bearing the brunt of the infections.
Director General Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro, addressed the media today to provide a status update on the health crisis. He revealed that 75 percent of all recorded cases involve young children. Health officials have linked the rapid spread to a failure by parents to complete the two-dose Measles-Rubella vaccine schedule. Other contributing factors include malnutrition and delays in seeking medical attention once symptoms appear.
“Uganda is currently experiencing an increase in cases of measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, especially among children who have not been fully immunized,” Dr. Olaro stated.
The ministry has confirmed 12 measles-related deaths so far. These fatalities occurred in the districts of Kagadi, Kikuube, Adjumani, Bulambuli, and Karenga. Other affected districts under close monitoring include Kassanda, Amolatar, Kibaale, Nwoya, Amuru, Agago, Kiboga, Kyegegwa, Kaabong, Kotido, Kween, Lira, Sembabule, Gulu, Kazo, and Mubende.
In response to the growing threat, the government is intensifying targeted vaccination drives and strengthening disease surveillance in all high-risk areas. Dr. Olaro noted that many children are missing the critical second dose typically administered at 18 months, which leaves them vulnerable.
To close these immunity gaps, the Ministry of Health will launch a massive nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign from October 1 to 5, 2026. This five-day exercise targets all children aged 9 to 59 months, including those living in refugee settlements. The campaign will provide the vaccine to every child in this age bracket, regardless of whether they have been previously immunized.
Health officials are urging parents to remain vigilant and cooperate with medical teams during the upcoming drive. The ministry emphasized that complete vaccination remains the only effective way to prevent deaths and interrupt the transmission of the virus across the country.
