Reagan Musinguzi

Kabarole District has registered rising malaria cases, with Kabende Sub County recording the highest number of infections between 2025 and February 2026.

According to Catherine Kemigabo, the District Health Educator for Kabarole, Kabende recorded 2,306 positive malaria cases, representing 30.8 percent — the highest in the district. Kabende is followed by Busoro Town Council with 1,436 cases (19.2 percent), Ruteete Sub County with 704 cases (9.4 percent), and Kiko Town Council at 8.4 percent. Other sub counties registered below five percent.

Kemigabo noted that although March and April are traditionally rainy months associated with increased malaria cases, data from 2025–2026 shows unusual spikes in July and October compared to January 2025 and January 2026. Cases also tend to rise in February and June, with more people suffering from malaria compared to January.

She attributed lower case numbers in some sub counties to consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and adherence to health guidelines. However, she expressed concern that some residents own mosquito nets but do not sleep under them. She urged leaders in Kabende to intensify community sensitization on proper net usage.

Kemigabo advised residents to wash mosquito nets using bar soap and dry them under shade to maintain their effectiveness. She warned that some people abandon nets once they get dirty, increasing their vulnerability to malaria.

The health educator emphasized that pregnant women are given Fansidar as preventive treatment and encouraged them to attend antenatal care services to reduce the risk of malaria, which can lead to miscarriages, maternal and child deaths, anemia, low birth weight, and mental complications in children. She cautioned that severe anemia caused by malaria can result in death if not treated early.

She revealed that the government has introduced malaria vaccination in high-incidence districts such as Kamwenge. At Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, most child malaria deaths have reportedly been registered among patients from Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge. Kabarole District is expected to be onboarded onto the vaccination program at a later stage.

Kemigabo further disclosed that the government distributes new mosquito nets every three years and that another distribution is expected soon. She urged residents to put the nets to proper use.

She highlighted that malaria disrupts socio-economic development due to high treatment costs, causes convulsions and mental complications in young children, contributes to school absenteeism and poor academic performance, and increases the risk of miscarriages and maternal mortality.

Residents were advised to clear bushes around their homes, drain stagnant water, fill pits near houses, and seek immediate treatment at health facilities upon the onset of symptoms. Kemigabo also cautioned against sharing malaria medication and urged patients to complete their prescribed doses.

She encouraged the public to drink plenty of fluids, eat fruits and maintain a balanced diet during recovery, while calling on all sub counties including those with lower case numbers to strengthen malaria prevention measures.