Nakasongola health officials raise alarm over rising malaria cases
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine (right), hands over bicycles and kits to newly commissioned Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) at Sasira Technical Institute in Nakasongola District. PHOTO/DAN WANDERA
What you need to know:
- “Nakasongola has benefited from mosquito net distribution, and we have other malaria prevention strategies in place. But clearly, we need more community involvement,” Dr Atwine.
At least 40 percent of patients seeking care at various health facilities in Nakasongola District are diagnosed with malaria, placing the district among the most malaria-burdened regions in Uganda, health officials have revealed.
Although the district’s proximity to Lake Kyoga contributes to the high malaria transmission, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine has expressed concern that residents are not fully utilizing available government interventions meant to control the disease.
“The 2024 district statistics show that 40 percent of both in-patients and out-patients at our health facilities are malaria cases. This is shocking,” Dr Atwine said while commissioning 136 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in Nakasongola on June 23, 2025.
“Nakasongola has benefited from mosquito net distribution, and we have other malaria prevention strategies in place. But clearly, we need more community involvement.”
Dr Atwine also highlighted other concerning health indicators. For instance, 40 percent of pregnant mothers in the district deliver outside health units, many of them reportedly assisted by traditional birth attendants—a practice the government has outlawed due to associated risks.
“The statistics show that only 60 percent of pregnant women access antenatal services at our health facilities. This must change. Expectant mothers need professional care to reduce risks to both themselves and their babies,” she said.
She further revealed that of the 7,300 people living with HIV in the district, only 75 percent are currently on treatment. “The remaining 15 percent are not accessing care, which is dangerous for them and the wider community. That’s why we are scaling up Primary Health Care through the CHEWs program.”
Dr Henry Mwebesa, Chairperson of the Health Service Commission, warned the newly commissioned CHEWs against performing unauthorized medical procedures or operating illegal clinics.
“Your role is clearly defined, identify cases and refer them to the nearest health facilities. Do not engage in activities beyond your training,” Dr Mwebesa advised.
Dr Agaba Byamukama, Nakasongola District Health Officer, said that the district has implemented several measures to combat preventable diseases.
“So far, mosquito net coverage stands at 85 percent. The CHEWs will be key in scaling up these interventions,” he said.
Mr Sam Kigula, the Nakasongola District Chairperson, acknowledged that repeated malaria outbreaks are straining drug supplies. “We're ramping up community sensitization on mosquito net use, clearing bushes, and promoting planting of mosquito-repelling plants,” he noted.
Nationally, malaria remains one of Uganda’s deadliest diseases. According to the Ministry of Health, it kills at least 16 people every day. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that Uganda carries 5 percent of Africa’s malaria burden, with an annual incidence rate of 478 cases per 1,000 people.
Malaria accounts for 40 percent of all outpatient visits and 25 percent of hospital admissions across the country. The WHO estimates Uganda’s malaria-related deaths at between 70,000 and 100,000 annually.
