Kaliro District has launched an aggressive yellow fever vaccination campaign with the goal of immunizing more than 50,000 residents between April 10 and April 16, 2025.
Health officials say the initiative comes in response to a confirmed yellow fever case in neighboring Kibuku District, and is being powered by youth mobilizers, community health workers, and political leadership.
Campaign Highlights
- Target Group: All individuals between the ages of one and sixty.
- Duration: 7 days, from April 10–16.
- Delivery Sites: Health centers and community vaccination posts.
- Goal: Vaccinate 50,000+ people across the district.
Combating Misinformation
At the official launch at Bumanya Health Centre IV, District Health Educator Eric Kiduba addressed rumors falsely claiming the vaccine causes impotence.
“Some people had been moving around trying to lie to the public that the vaccines cause impotency in men and women, which is not true,” Kiduba clarified, urging locals to trust health experts and WHO-backed science.
Ground-Level Support and Security Measures
To reach the goal, over 300 medical professionals have been deployed, supported by youth mobilizers using megaphones to spread accurate information and encourage participation.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) John Bosco Mubitto issued a strong warning to any leaders—especially religious figures—who attempt to discourage participation:
“Any leader found guilty of discouraging participation in the vaccination exercise will be closely monitored by security personnel.”
Mubitto emphasized that spiritual and physical health must coexist, urging clergy to use their platforms to mobilize congregants.
Call to Action from Key Leaders
- Lydia Akoth, Central Supervisor for Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization, reminded the public: “There is no cure for yellow fever… the vaccine is the only protection.”
She added that the campaign is reactive, based on confirmed exposure risks, and urged residents to continue seeking the vaccine even after April 16.
- Elijah Kagoda, Kaliro District Chairperson, rallied political leaders to support mobilization: “The yellow fever vaccine is also required for foreign travel—people should use this opportunity.”
- Dr. Ivan Munigwa, in-charge at Bumanya Health Centre IV, assured the public of adequate staffing and logistical readiness to handle large numbers.
The Bigger Picture
With no known cure, yellow fever remains a public health priority, especially in areas with recent outbreaks. The Kaliro campaign’s success depends heavily on:
- Community mobilization
- Religious and political cooperation
- Timely medical response
If successful, this campaign could become a model for other districts responding to infectious disease threats under Uganda’s broader immunization strategy.
