UTOF unveils NRM mobilization team as mosquito net distribution continues

23 December 2025, 9:47 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Launching the team, the UTOF Vice Chairperson, Hajji Rashid Sekindi, urged members to fully execute their responsibilities, emphasizing that many of the operators’ challenges can only be addressed if President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni remains in leadership.

“I appeal to you to mobilize support for the President and all NRM flag bearers in Kampala. Let us ensure that the President retains his seat so that we can then present our demands. Among these are the cancellation of the recently suspended receipts and increased support to our SACCOs, just as was done for boda boda riders,” Sekindi said.

He further cautioned members to maintain peace during and after the voting process. “After voting, please go back to your homes or work. Do not engage in violence because your families need you most,” he added.

UTOF also highlighted the NRM flag bearers in Kampala Central Division. Salim Uhuru Nsubuga is the party’s mayoral flag bearer, Aminah Lukanga is the flag bearer for Woman Member of Parliament, while Moses Nsubuga is the NRM flag bearer for the position of Lord Mayor.

Speaking at the same event, UTOF Vice Chairperson Mayambala Mustafa, who led the organization team, noted that the federation has been working tirelessly behind the scenes. He said the official launch marks a new phase where their mobilization efforts will now be more visible and impactful.

UTOF further announced an increase in transport dues from Uganda Shillings 2,000 to 5,000, with the possibility of further increments depending on prevailing circumstances. They advised passengers to plan their journeys early and appealed to owners of Sinotrucks not to entrust such vehicles to inexperienced young drivers, citing their contribution to road accidents.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of National Medical Stores (NMS), Moses Kamabaare, assured the public that the institution will continue to execute its mandate despite the ongoing election season. He emphasized that the distribution of medicines and medical supplies is not influenced by politics.

Kamabaare made the remarks during the flagging-off ceremony of 25.8 million mosquito nets to 130 districts, presided over by the Minister of Health, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, in Kajansi, Wakiso District. A representative from the World Health Organization (WHO) also reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to improving population health outcomes.

“As NMS, our responsibility is to receive the mosquito nets and distribute them to the designated areas as guided by the Ministry of Health. We appeal to the public not to wait for the campaigns to end before using these nets because they have nothing to do with politics,” Kamabaare said.

In her remarks, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng announced that distribution of the mosquito nets will begin in January 2026, starting with the regions most affected by malaria, particularly Northern and Eastern Uganda. Districts to benefit include Amolatar, Budaka, Bugweri, Iganga, Kaliro, Lira, Mbale, Otuke, Oyam, among others.

She noted that the exercise aims to protect about 85 million people from malaria nationwide. “This is in preparation for the nationwide distribution scheduled for January 2026, during which 25.8 million mosquito nets will be distributed free of charge. Local governments will implement the exercise with support from NMS,” Aceng said.

The Minister thanked NMS for the timely and safe delivery of the nets and wished Ugandans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Funding for the exercise, estimated at about US dollars 100 million, has been provided by the Government of Uganda and development partners, including the World Health Organization. Malaria remains one of the leading public health challenges in Uganda, particularly affecting children under five years and pregnant women.