Bushenyi district launches Mpox Vaccination campaign
Dr. Twinomugisha revealed that high-risk groups include: health care workers, drivers and taxi operators, bar and entertainment-venue attendants, market vendors, and frontline service providers.
A health worker from Bushenyi district getting vaccinated against Mpox. (Credit: Bruno Mugizi)
BUSHENYI - Bushenyi District has launched a seven-day Mpox vaccination campaign, targeting high-risk groups.
A total of 5,000 doses have been allocated for the campaign. On the first day, 739 people were vaccinated on Friday.
“This vaccination campaign is very timely. We appreciate the Ministry of Health for supporting the district to protect our people against this disease,” Dr. Stephen Bwekingo Twinomugisha, the Bushenyi District Health Officer, said at the beginning of the campaign.
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease that causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While often mild, it can spread rapidly and poses a greater risk to people with high exposure or limited access to care.
Dr. Twinomugisha revealed that high-risk groups include: health care workers, drivers and taxi operators, bar and entertainment-venue attendants, market vendors, and frontline service providers.
“Because of their work, these individuals are more likely to be exposed to infections or travel across communities. Vaccination offers them protection and helps reduce the spread in our district,” Dr. Twinomugisha said.
Conducted at different health facilities and selected venues within the district, the vaccination took place in the subcounties of Kakanju, Bitooma, Nyabubare, and Kyamuhunga, as well as areas surrounding Sheema District.
Uganda confirmed its first Mpox cases on July 24, 2024, in Kasese District. The Ministry of Health declared an outbreak on August 2, 2024. By 31 December 2024, Uganda had reported 1,353 confirmed cases and 6 deaths across 66 districts.
By 30 March 2025, cases had risen to 4,881, with 37 deaths in 103 districts. By early September 2025, the total confirmed cases reached 8,001, with 50 deaths reported.
Health authorities in Uganda have also implemented other measures to curb Mpox;
• Tracking suspected cases and monitoring their contacts
• Educating communities on symptoms, transmission, and prevention
• Temperature checks and symptom screening at key entry points
“Getting vaccinated is one of the strongest steps we can take to protect ourselves and our community,” Dr. Twinomugisha emphasised.