Buganda Kingdom and Health Ministry Begin Distribution of 4.7 Million Mosquito Nets

Kampala, Uganda, July 14, 2026 - The Buganda Kingdom, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has launched a campaign to distribute more than 4.7 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets across Buganda as part of efforts to reduce malaria infections. The distribution campaign was launched at Bulange, where Buganda Kingdom leaders urged communities to strengthen malaria prevention measures and ensure proper use of the mosquito nets. Buganda’s Second Deputy Katikkiro and Kingdom Treasurer Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa encouraged residents to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by draining stagnant water, clearing bushes around homes, and seeking medical advice from qualified health professionals. He cautioned the public against self-medication and relying on unverified health information from social media, urging people to seek treatment from trained healthcare providers. Nsibirwa also reminded beneficiaries that the mosquito nets are intended strictly for malaria prevention and should be used every night while sleeping. He warned against misuse of the nets for activities such as fishing, making clothing, or other purposes, saying their primary goal is to protect families from malaria. The Kingdom leader called on Buganda chiefs and local leaders to mobilise communities to collect and properly use the mosquito nets, while encouraging parents to ensure their children receive malaria vaccinations where the programme is available. Ministry of Health Commissioner Dr Richard Kabanda thanked the Buganda Kingdom for supporting public health initiatives and urged communities to follow guidance from health workers. He said the current campaign marks the fourth round of mosquito net distribution and stressed the importance of consistent malaria prevention practices. Buganda Minister for Social Development and Health Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes among its people, describing prevention as a key foundation for community productivity. Health officials said malaria remains a major public health challenge in Uganda, with available figures indicating that about 16 people die from malaria every day and the country remains among the nations with the highest malaria burden globally. Authorities warned that malaria-related deaths continue to place a heavy social and economic burden on families and communities. The campaign is expected to strengthen malaria prevention efforts across Buganda by increasing access to protective mosquito nets and promoting community awareness.