Gov’t announces nationwide vaccination drive as measles cases surge

KAMPALA, April 30, 2026 — The Ministry of Health has raised concern over a growing number of measles cases across Uganda, warning that low vaccination coverage—particularly for the second dose—is driving new outbreaks among children under five.

The Director General of Health Services, Charles Olaro, said the country remains below the 95 per cent immunisation threshold required to halt transmission, despite improvements in recent years.

National measles vaccination coverage rose to 90 per cent in 2024, up from 79 per cent in 2016. However, uptake of the second measles-rubella [MR] dose at 18 months remains significantly lower at 64 per cent, compared with 92 per cent for the first dose, leaving many children vulnerable.

According to the Ministry, 66 districts reported outbreaks in 2025, with more than 10,163 cases and 60 deaths recorded. The Karamoja Sub-region accounted for 31 per cent of the fatalities.

The affected districts include Bulambuli, Kassanda, Amolatar, Kibaale, Nwoya, Karenga, Amuru, Agago, Kagadi, Kiboga, Kyegegwa, Kaabong, Kotido, Kween, Lira, Sembabule, Kikuube, Gulu, Kazo, Mubende and Adjumani.

At least 12 measles-related deaths were recorded in Kagadi, Kikuube, Adjumani, Bulambuli and Karenga. The Ministry said it is responding through targeted vaccination campaigns in affected districts and by strengthening surveillance.

Between January and April 2026, a further 20 districts, including Mubende, Gulu and Adjumani, confirmed outbreaks, with 12 additional deaths reported.

Investigations indicate that 75 per cent of cases are among children under five, while 64 per cent of those infected had not received any measles-rubella vaccine.

“The current outbreaks are driven by low population immunity, vaccine hesitancy, limited awareness about the second dose, and challenges in reaching remote communities,” Olaro said.

He added that malnutrition, delayed health-seeking behaviour, and complications such as pneumonia and diarrhoea are worsening outcomes, while some survivors develop long-term neurological complications.

The Ministry warned that nearly half of Uganda’s districts are at moderate to high risk of continued measles transmission.

In response, the government has activated national and regional outbreak coordination mechanisms, strengthened surveillance, and supported district-led vaccination campaigns targeting children aged 9 to 59 months.

The Ministry also announced a nationwide measles-rubella immunisation campaign scheduled for 1–5 October 2026, targeting all children in that age group regardless of previous vaccination status.

The exercise will be conducted under Integrated Child Health Days, with free services provided at health facilities, schools and community outreach sites.

Health officials have urged parents and caregivers to ensure children receive two doses of the measles-rubella vaccine at 9 and 18 months, stressing that full immunisation is critical to preventing further outbreaks and deaths

Symptoms

According to Centres for Disease Control [CDC], measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, beginning with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes [conjunctivitis]. Small white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms start. A characteristic red, blotchy rash develops 3-5 days after initial symptoms, starting on the face/hairline and spreading.

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