Measles outbreaks expose immunity gaps in Kyegegwa district

26 March 2026, 3:29 pm

By Asuman Kyalisiima

One related death, as a result of measles outbreak in Kyegegwa district has occurred, as 05 out of 06 samples submitted to the Uganda Virus Research institute were confirmed positive on March 20^th, 2026.

While addressing a district health taskforce chaired by the Resident District Commissioner on Wednesday 25,03 2026, at the district headquarters of Kyegegwa, Murumba Richard who is the District Health Officer, noted roared that on 16/03/ 2026, the Village Health Team of Kiruhura LCI, Ruhangiire Parish Rwentuha sub county, informed that in-charge of Ruhangiire health center II that many of the children in her village were having cough which was irritating, high fever, rash and reddening eyes among other signs and symptoms.

Dr. Murumba also revealed that all cases are being reviewed by the health team and are now apparently being managed at their respective home.

Dr. Murumba on measles outbreak  

Dr. Murumba also noted that investigations by the health workers indicates that the 06 children whose samples were collected, 02 were not immunized while 04 had received only one doze.

He also highlighted on certain measures that they intend to put in place to curtail the escalation of the disease such as routine immunization of children who are under 05 years, and also gazzating places at Mpara health center IV and Kyegegwa district general hospital as isolation rooms.

Dr. Murumba on measures

Colonel Alex Bright Nzirimu the RDC Kyegegwa also doubling as the chairperson of the task force, attributed the outbreak on reluctance among the parents.

Nzirimu also called the public to adhere to the Uganda Immunization Act of 2017 that makes vaccination mandatory for children, women of reproductive age (15–49), and specific target groups against immunizable diseases.

Nzirimu on parents