In an official press release dated 11th June 2025, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, stated that the messages circulating online, particularly those describing a lethal new variant named “COVID-Omicron XBB”, are misleading and based on outdated video clips being recycled to cause unnecessary fear among Ugandans.

“The circulating messages are old clips being re-shared by unscrupulous individuals to mislead the members of the public,” the statement read.

The Ministry reassured the public that there is no resurgence of COVID-19 in Uganda, and the national health situation remains stable and under control.

The last major outbreak occurred three years ago, and since then, the Ministry has consistently monitored national and global trends to ensure early detection and rapid response to any threats.

While new strains of COVID-19 have been reported in parts of Asia, the Ministry is actively tracking global developments and collaborating with international stakeholders to safeguard the population.

“Uganda continues to benefit from a strong surveillance and response system, which remains fully active and capable of detecting and addressing public health threats,” the statement emphasized.

The Ministry advised anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms to visit the nearest health facility for proper treatment and management. It also reminded the public to continue practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap or using alcohol-based sanitizer, as a routine preventive measure.

“The Ministry remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of all Ugandans,” Dr. Olaro reiterated, urging the public to rely only on credible updates from official sources.

PRESS RELEASE: Ministry of Health clarifies on COVID-19 situation in #Uganda.

The Ministry reassures the public that there is NO resurgence of COVID-19 in Uganda and the national situation is stable and fully under control since the major outbreak three years ago. #MOHatWork pic.twitter.com/1JkBWrpLvm

— Ministry of Health- Uganda (@MinofHealthUG) June 11, 2025

The Ministry’s communication was issued in response to a viral message claiming that the new COVID-Omicron XBB strain was five times more virulent than previous variants and undetectable by nasal swab tests. The viral post, widely shared via WhatsApp, listed severe but vague symptoms and urged extreme precautions.

Public health experts have warned that such alarmist messages, when not backed by verified science, risk undermining trust in health systems and causing unnecessary panic.

For accurate information, the Ministry urges citizens to follow updates from its official website www.health.go.ug and verified social media platforms.

The post MoH Breaks Silence on “New COVID Wave” Claims – Here’s the Real Situation appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Appearing before the Committee on Health on Thursday, 03 April 2025, KCCA officials led by the Minister for KCCA and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kyofatogabye Kabuye, argued that the initiative would decongest referral hospitals by handling referrals from lower health facilities.

“Elevating the KCCA-managed health facilities to city hospital status will enable the authority to increase the service delivery package, act as referral buffers from the lower-level health units, and ultimately decongest regional and national-level hospitals within the confines of Kampala city,” said Dr. Sarah Zalwango, KCCA’s Acting Director for Public Health.

Dr. Zalwango noted that the authority currently runs two Health Centre IVs, four Health Centre IIIs, and two Health Centre IIs—some of which are overwhelmed and surpass their capacity in terms of service delivery.

She added that the implementation of city hospitals would require land expansion, particularly for Kisenyi HCIV, Kitebi HCIII, Bukoto HCII, and Kisugu HCIII.

In the meantime, she stressed the need for urgent repairs and maintenance across all KCCA health facilities — a budget line she said has been overlooked in the past three financial years.

Hon. Kyofatogabye reiterated that the need for city hospitals is long overdue, noting that some KCCA Health Centre IVs are already operating at hospital level.

“When you visited Kawaala HCIV, you saw that the number of deliveries nearly matched those at Kawempe Hospital. We want hospitals that can address the health concerns of over five million people per day. We treat people from Lira to Kigezi because they all pass through the city and face health issues,” he said.

However, Members of Parliament expressed concern over the state of public health in Kampala, citing unregulated sewage disposal as a major threat.

“You will treat diseases, but they will keep increasing because of water pollution. People take advantage of the rainy season to release sewage into the environment,” said Hon. Florence Nebanda (NRM, Butaleja District Woman MP).

She added that the recent flooding in Kampala is a stark reminder of the poor state of the city’s sewerage system.

“Imagine a whole capital city flooding. Lives were lost. This affects not only health but also trade and tourism. Tourists would be discouraged from visiting a city that floods,” she said.

Hon. Josephine Bebona, Woman MP for Bundibugyo District, narrated her experience in downtown Kampala where sewerage overflow disrupted business operations.

The Directorate of Public Health and Environment requires Shs186.98 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year to effectively execute its mandate. However, according to the budget estimates, only Shs15.31 billion has been allocated—just 8 percent of the requirement—leaving a funding gap of Shs171.67 billion.

The post KCCA Seeks Shs35 Billion Annually to Establish General Hospitals in All Five Divisions appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Around 11:50 PM, the crash involved an Isuzu Elf truck (registration number UBQ 576Q) carrying onions from Kapchorwa to Mbale.

According to Fredmark Chesang, the Sipi Region Police Spokesperson, the vehicle veered off the road and overturned multiple times.

Chesang noted that efforts to identify the deceased are still ongoing, and a full report will be released once the process is complete.

This latest accident follows a similar deadly crash on January 4th, 2025, when a Toyota Probox (UBK 686S), owned by Klan Logistics, travelling from Kapchorwa to Mbale, veered off the road, hit a Bajaj motorcycle carrying two passengers, killing them instantly, before overturning multiple times.

The post Six dead, Scores Injured in Kapchorwa-Mbale Highway Crash appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Despite this progress, health and education stakeholders highlight that sanitation remains a major challenge, with many schools still lacking proper hygiene facilities. Dilapidated toilets and inadequate handwashing stations continue to expose learners to diseases, affecting their education.

Bridging the Hygiene Gap

The Hygiene Quest Uganda initiative aims to improve sanitation in pre-primary and primary schools, particularly in districts where hygiene infrastructure is critically insufficient.

“We have completed the construction of 1,500 handwashing facilities in 750 schools across the country, each school receiving two tanks,” said Dr. Shamim Nabuuma, Executive Director of Chil-Ai Lab and the project focal person.

The districts benefiting from this intervention include Kisoro, Ibanda, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Rakai, Iganga, and Kamuli. In addition to the handwashing stations, schools received handwashing soap and hygiene-related class materials to promote behavioral change among learners.

However, a visit to several schools revealed that while handwashing stations have improved, toilet facilities remain in dire condition. Many are dilapidated, substandard, and unhygienic, posing health risks to pupils.

The Impact of Poor Hygiene on Learners

According to Bamwine Julius, the District Health Officer (DHO) of Ibanda, cultural practices and the lack of handwashing facilities have made students more susceptible to hygiene-related illnesses.

“Children often share food during lunch and break time without washing their hands. This leads to the spread of diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, which affect school attendance and performance,” he explained.

Robert Nyesigire, an Education Officer in Ibanda, echoed similar concerns, stressing that good hygiene habits must be instilled from an early age.

“While handwashing facilities are crucial, the availability of soap and consistent sensitization are equally important. Many children do not understand the risks of poor hygiene, and teachers need to integrate hygiene education into their lessons,” he noted.

Training Teachers and Distributing Learning Materials

To ensure that the impact of the project is sustained, Sandra Nabakka, Field Supervisor for Dettol Hygiene Quest, emphasized the importance of educational materials.

“We have successfully distributed over 100,000 hygiene guide booklets to learners and 5,000 booklets to teachers across 500 schools. These materials provide step-by-step instructions on proper handwashing techniques and help teachers incorporate hygiene education into their lesson plans,” she stated.

The headteacher of Rwengwe II Primary School in Ibanda, Edvina Twinomuhangi, expressed gratitude for the materials.

“These resources will help us craft hygiene lessons that emphasize the importance of handwashing at all times. It’s not just about access to facilities but also ensuring that children develop lifelong hygiene habits,” she said.
The project which is funded by Rekitt Benckiser the makers of Dettol, included provision of free hand washing soap, and other detergents to benefiting schools.

Challenges in School Sanitation

Despite these efforts, many schools still lack proper toilets, which remains a major public health concern.

Kweyamba Ruhemba, the Chief Administrative Officer of Ibanda District, acknowledged the crisis, revealing that only 16 schools in the district have modern toilet facilities—and these are the ones that consistently perform well in national exams.

“Even if a school has modern toilets, learners must be taught how to use them properly. Poor hygiene practices are a widespread issue, even in urban areas,” he warned.
The hygiene crisis in Ugandan schools reflects a broader challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. Recent reports indicate that:

779 million people in the region lack basic sanitation services

839 million people do not have access to basic hygiene facilities

In 2023, malaria caused nearly 600,000 deaths, with 94% of cases occurring in Africa

These statistics highlight the urgent need for more investments in sanitation and hygiene infrastructure across the continent.

While initiatives like the Dettol Hygiene Quest Program have made a difference, experts argue that a multi-sectoral approach is needed to ensure long-term improvements.

The government must prioritize hygiene infrastructure in all schools, allocating more resources to sanitation projects.

Communities and parents should be actively involved in maintaining school hygiene facilities.

More partnerships between NGOs, private companies, and international donors can help scale up interventions.

As Uganda continues its journey toward better school hygiene, sustained efforts, policy changes, and increased funding will be key to ensuring that every child learns in a safe and healthy environment.

The post Over 750 Ugandan Schools Benefit from Hygiene Program, but Sanitation Gaps Persist appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Over 1.4 million Ugandans living with HIV/AIDS rely on life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, but disruptions in funding threaten to cripple services, leaving vulnerable patients in limbo.

The crisis has been triggered by delays in financial support from international donors, including USAID, which has been a critical lifeline for Uganda’s HIV response.

Several healthcare facilities, including the Mulago Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and key centres run by The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO), have warned of potential service interruptions if urgent interventions are not made.

Panic Among Patients

The uncertainty has caused widespread fear among patients, many of whom are rushing to clinics to collect extended supplies of ARVs. Quraishi Mubiru, the executive director of Uganda Young Positives, expressed concern about the looming crisis.

“This is a life or death situation for many people,” Mubiru said. “Patients have been advised to pick up three months’ worth of medication, but what happens after that? We are facing a potential surge in drug resistance, treatment failure, and new infections if urgent action is not taken.”

Reports indicate that some facilities have already reduced operations, citing budget shortfalls. Rural communities, where alternative healthcare options are scarce, are expected to suffer the most.

Government and Stakeholder Response

In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Health has called for calm, assuring the public that efforts are underway to secure alternative funding. Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng acknowledged the urgency of the matter and reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining HIV treatment services.

“We recognise the seriousness of this situation and are actively engaging with our development partners to ensure continued access to medication,” Dr. Aceng said. “We also urge Parliament to fast-track the operationalization of the AIDS Trust Fund to help bridge funding gaps.”

TASO’s Executive Director, Dr. Michael Etukoit, also sought to reassure patients that services would continue, albeit under constrained conditions. “No patient will be abandoned. While some activities may be scaled down, our focus remains on ensuring uninterrupted treatment for those in need,” he stated.

Call for Urgent Action

Activists have intensified pressure on the government to find a long-term solution to HIV programme financing. Mubiru and other advocates argue that reliance on foreign aid makes Uganda’s HIV response vulnerable to external policy changes.

“The only sustainable solution is for Uganda to invest more in its health sector,” Mubiru emphasised. “We need urgent action to operationalize domestic funding mechanisms such as the AIDS Trust Fund, which has remained dormant for years.”

With over 1.4 million lives depending on ARVs for survival, the coming weeks will be critical in determining Uganda’s ability to navigate this crisis. If funding gaps persist, the country could witness a devastating health setback, reversing years of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: for thousands of Ugandans living with HIV, the clock is ticking, and urgent intervention is needed to prevent a public health catastrophe

The post HIV Crisis Looms as Treatment Centers Face Imminent Shutdown appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

According to Dr. Diana Atwine, the Health Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, the first confirmed case, known as the index case, was a 32-year-old male nurse employed at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

He initially developed fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at multiple health facilities, including Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga (Wakiso District), and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Mbale City. He also consulted a traditional healer.

Dr. Atwine explained that the patient presented with a five-day history of high fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

His condition later worsened, leading to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites. He experienced multi-organ failure and passed away at Mulago National Referral Hospital on January 29, 2025. Post-mortem samples confirmed that he had contracted Sudan Ebola Virus Disease.

“At present, no other healthcare worker or patient on the ward has shown symptoms of Ebola,” Dr. Atwine stated.

In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has taken immediate action, including activating the Incident Management Team and deploying Rapid Response Teams to Mbale City and Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga.

A total of 44 contacts have been identified, including 30 healthcare workers and patients from Mulago, 11 family members of the deceased, and four healthcare workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital.

The deceased will be given a safe and dignified burial to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, vaccination of all identified contacts against Ebola Virus Disease will begin immediately.

Sudan Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Sudan ebolavirus, a strain of the Ebola virus. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and internal or external bleeding. The virus is transmitted from infected animals, particularly fruit bats, to humans and can spread through close contact or exposure to the bodily fluids of an infected person.

The Ministry of Health urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to health authorities promptly.

The post Health Ministry Confirms Sudan Ebola Virus Outbreak in Kampala appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The award was presented in Kampala by the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau (UPMB), the apex coordinating body for Protestant health services in Uganda, which represents a network of 330 faith-based health institutions across the country.

Dr. Jetho Okoni, the in-charge of Goli Health Centre IV, received the award on behalf of the institution.

The recognition comes as a welcome development for the locals, for whom Goli Health Centre IV serves as the primary medical facility, especially in emergencies.

The centre’s role as a vital healthcare provider in the region has made this award particularly significant.

Nebbi Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Can. Ungi Christopher, acknowledged the achievement, highlighting the significant improvements in services at the facility.

He praised the staff for their unwavering commitment to providing quality care year-round.

Retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, expressed his joy, saying, “We are excited to hear good things coming out of our health centre. There are many under UMPB, yet we have been recognised. Keep it up!”

Founded in 1957, the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau initially served as a liaison between the Government of Uganda, donors, and member hospitals.

Today, it operates as a national umbrella organisation with a broader mandate, representing member facilities from across the country.

Goli Health Centre IV is a Private Not-for-Profit unit under the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau, established more than five decades ago.

The facility serves a wide community, including people from Nebbi and Zombo Districts, as well as communities from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The post Goli Health Centre IV Wins Quality Services Award 2024 appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The event, organized by the Aviators’ Run Initiative Uganda in partnership with The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), will take place on Sunday, December 8th, at the UMA Show Grounds, Lugogo.

Proceeds from the marathon, targeting UGX 1 billion, will support the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission and promote HIV prevention campaigns for youth across Uganda.

Speaking after a meeting with the organizers, Hajjat Namyalo emphasized the critical role of every Ugandan in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“This is not just a marathon; it is a movement to support our mothers and protect our youth. We all have a role to play in fighting HIV/AIDS, and through this initiative, we can save lives while spreading hope,” she said.

The marathon will feature 5km, 3km, and 2km races, with winners earning the unique opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight over Kampala. The event will run from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM and is expected to draw participants from all walks of life.

The funds raised will directly aid expectant mothers living with HIV/AIDS, ensuring their babies are born HIV-free, and support nationwide youth-focused HIV prevention camps aimed at promoting responsible living and awareness about the dangers of unprotected sex.

Ugandans are encouraged to turn up in large numbers for the event, which combines fitness, fun, and philanthropy in the fight to end HIV/AIDS.

For more details, follow the Aviators’ Run Initiative on their official platforms or visit TASO offices nationwide.

The post Hajjat Namyalo Rallies Ugandans for Aviators’ Run to Fight HIV/AIDS appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The Adjumani District Health Department reported three cases of cholera and two of Mpox in recent months.

District Surveillance Officer Paul Olony revealed that the latest cholera case was confirmed on November 25, 2024, with a 50% positivity rate among suspected cases since the first case was recorded on November 18.

Mpox cases have been under surveillance since October, with 54 cumulative suspected cases recorded.

Overcrowding at the Nyumanzi Reception Centre, designed to accommodate 750 people but currently housing 1,400 refugees, has been identified as a critical factor. This congestion heightens the risk of disease transmission.

District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Dominic Drametu assured the public that the situation is being managed.
“These are not local infections. All cases are from outside Uganda, and with support from the Ministry of Health, we have successfully managed all confirmed cases,” Drametu stated.

Health educators and psychosocial support teams have been deployed to raise awareness about cholera and Mpox, ensuring communities are informed on preventive measures.

Adjumani Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Peter Taban Data emphasised collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Health and international partners to curb the spread of the diseases.

“We have teams stationed at border points to screen individuals crossing into Uganda. Anyone displaying symptoms of cholera or Mpox is quarantined, with samples sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) for testing,” Taban explained.

Adjumani’s proximity to South Sudan adds to its vulnerability, especially after South Sudan’s Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak in Upper Nile State’s Renk County on October 28.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that Uganda hosts 1.74 million refugees as of September 2024. Of these, 55% are from South Sudan, 31% from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and smaller numbers from Somalia, Burundi, Sudan, and other nations.

West Nile districts like Obongi, Moyo, Yumbe, Koboko, and Arua, alongside Zombo, Nebbi, and Terego, are among the regions experiencing a high influx of refugees, particularly from war-torn Ituri Province in eastern DR Congo.

Health officials remain vigilant, emphasising community awareness, robust screening, and timely intervention to prevent a full-blown public health crisis.

The post Adjumani Enforces Mandatory Screening Amid Cholera,Mpox Outbreaks appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The tragic incident occurred after the river burst its banks near the Pakwach Bridge, a critical link connecting West Nile, South Sudan, and DR Congo.

Eyewitness Osbert Unyuthuwun, on-site, reported to our correspondent that marines are using an engine boat to save individuals trapped in the submerged vehicle. He described the rescue efforts as challenging due to the forceful flow of the water.

“I can see from a distance that three people, including a child, have been rescued by the marines. The water pressure is overwhelming, much higher than usual,” Unyuthuwun explained.

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) issued an urgent advisory to travellers, confirming that flooding at Tangi Junction along the Olwiyo–Pakwach Road has severely disrupted connectivity between Arua, Gulu, and Kampala.

In their update shared on X (formerly Twitter) at 2 p.m., UNRA noted:
“Flooding at Tangi Junction along Olwiyo—Pakwach Road, just adjacent to Pakwach Bridge, has affected connectivity between Arua to Gulu and Gulu to Kampala.”

Alternative Routes Suggested

UNRA has advised motorists to use the following routes:

1. From Kampala to West Nile: Use the Paraa–Kisanja Park Junction Road for uninterrupted travel.
2. From Gulu to West Nile: Use the Atiak–Adjumani route, crossing via the Laropi Ferry to access Moyo and nearby regions.
3. From Gulu, Lira, and Kitgum: Take the Masindi Port ferry through Rwenkunye, accessible via the Kampala–Gulu highway.

UNRA assured the public that its teams are monitoring the situation and will implement interventions as soon as water levels subside. “We will keep you updated on any developments to inform your journeys,” the statement read.

Rising Water Levels Worsen Crisis

The flooding, attributed to the River Nile bursting its banks, has caused water levels to rise to unprecedented heights, posing a significant risk to both lives and infrastructure in the region.

Rescue operations remain ongoing as hopes persist for the survival of those still trapped. The incident underscores the urgent need for robust flood mitigation measures along critical routes in Uganda.

The post Marines Launch Rescue Mission as Dozens Aboard Taxi Drown in Pakwach Flood appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).