By Wamala Sipirian
Published: September 24, 2026
Uganda will immunise an estimated 7.5 million children against measles and rubella during a five-day national vaccination campaign scheduled for October 1 to 5, 2026.
The campaign will target all children aged nine months to 59 months across the country as the Ministry of Health seeks to curb increasing measles infections and strengthen routine immunisation.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care, the Director General of Health Services, Dr Charles Olaro, said the campaign is intended to protect children against measles and rubella while supporting Uganda’s broader immunisation programme.
He said sustained vaccination efforts are necessary to keep children protected against preventable diseases.
Rising Measles Cases
The campaign comes amid concern over an increase in suspected measles infections, particularly among children below five years.
According to the Ministry of Health, suspected measles cases have increased since 2022, reaching 2,365 reported cases by 2025. The ministry estimates the case fatality rate at about 2.5%.
The burden has been higher in some parts of the country. Karamoja, for example, has recorded an estimated measles case fatality rate of about 6%.
Olaro said strong community mobilisation will be critical to ensuring that eligible children are reached during the campaign.
Government Calls for Increased Immunisation Investment
The Ministry of Health is also calling for sustainable financing and increased domestic investment in immunisation.
According to the ministry, sustained financing is necessary to prevent interruptions in vaccine availability and maintain progress in protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The ministry held a high-level stakeholder sensitisation meeting in partnership with UNICEF Uganda and other development partners to mobilise support for the campaign.
The meeting brought together government officials, legislators, local leaders, religious and cultural leaders, civil society organisations and other community stakeholders.
Stakeholders Urged to Mobilise Communities
Dr Richard Kabanda, Commissioner for Health Promotion, Education and Strategic Communication at the Ministry of Health, said stakeholders have an important role in providing accurate information and mobilising communities ahead of the vaccination exercise.
Kabanda said preventable diseases do not discriminate based on political, religious or social affiliation, making collective action necessary to protect communities.
The ministry has consequently urged local leaders, health workers, schools, religious and cultural institutions, civil society organisations and the media to use their platforms to encourage parents and caregivers to have eligible children vaccinated.
Campaign to Launch in Wakiso
The national campaign will officially be launched on October 1 in Wakiso District.
Parents and caregivers have been urged to present children aged nine months to 59 months for vaccination during the five-day exercise.
The Ministry of Health has previously identified measles-rubella vaccination as an important intervention for preventing outbreaks and protecting children from potentially serious complications.
The campaign forms part of Uganda’s broader efforts to strengthen immunisation and disease prevention, while the ministry continues to identify gaps in vaccination coverage and improve access to immunisation services.