Amolatar leaders call for emergency mass measles vaccination campaign

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Authorities in Amolatar district have called for an emergency measles vaccination campaign targeting all children under the age of five following an outbreak.

Laboratory tests conducted at Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, confirmed that eight suspected cases tested positive for measles.

Muntu sub-county has been identified as the main hotspot, with additional cases reported in Arwotcek, Opali, Agikadak, and Etam Town Council.

District health officer Dr Jimmy Odongo has urged heightened vigilance, particularly in schools and public institutions, noting that both children and adults have been affected.

He advised residents on February 11, 2026, to seek prompt medical attention and report symptoms to health facilities for proper isolation rather than relying on traditional remedies.

Preventive measures such as wearing face masks, frequent handwashing, and maintaining social distancing have also been emphasised.

Meanwhile, clinics have been instructed not to admit suspected measles cases but instead to notify hospitals immediately, as measles has no specific cure and requires proper medical management to prevent further spread.

Nwoya registers cases

Cases of measles have also been registered in Pakwera village, Lii sub–county in Nwoya district.

Lii sub–county chaiperson Justin Odong Ajaji told New Vision Online that 29 children and adults in the village have reportedly contracted the disease.

Odong, added that the situation has been exacerbated by the use of herbs by some locals to treat some patients.

Nwoya district health officer Dr James Okello revealed that five samples from suspects from the village were taken for analysis at the Uganda Virus Research Centre in Entebbe, and that all the results turned positive on February 2, 2026.

Okello explained that in 2025, Lutuk trading centre also recorded an outbreak of measles, where over 39 children and adults were infected, with four succumbing to the disease.

He said plans are underway to vaccinate people in the affected village.