By Brian Atuhura

Masindi District leaders have urged parents and caregivers to present all eligible children for the national Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign scheduled for October 1-5,2026.
The campaign targets children aged between nine and 59 months and seeks to strengthen protection against measles and rubella amid concerns over outbreaks reported in parts of the country.

The call was made during a district Coordination meeting held at the District Health Officer's Resource Centre to assess preparations for the five-day immunisation exercise.

Representing the District Chairperson,the Chairperson of the Social Services Committee of Council,Nicholas Babwetera,reminded parents of their responsibility to ensure that eligible children receive the vaccine.

He encouraged caregivers to take advantage of the campaign and present their children at designated vaccination points throughout the exercise.

The Deputy Mayor of Masindi Municipality,Aisha Nakamya,who represented the Mayor,commended the District Health Office for engaging stakeholders in preparations for the campaign.

Nakamya called for coordinated efforts among local leaders,health workers,parents,schools and communities to improve health service delivery and protect children's health.

The Masindi District Health Officer,Dr.Nicholas Kwikiriza Magambo,said Uganda has experienced measles outbreaks in recent years,with cases reported in neighbouring districts,including Kiryandongo and Hoima.

He said the outbreaks underscore the need for concerted efforts to prevent further transmission of measles and rubella,prompting the Ministry of Health to organise the nationwide vaccination campaign.

The Assistant District Health Officer in Charge of Maternal and Child Health,Brian Mugisha,revealed that Masindi District is targeting approximately 59,000 children during the exercise.

He said vaccination services will be provided through schools,health facilities and designated outreach posts across the district to improve access for parents and caregivers.

To support the campaign,Masindi District has received 9,000 doses of the Measles-Rubella vaccine.

Health workers are expected to work with stakeholders to coordinate Vaccine distribution and ensure that as many eligible children as possible are reached during the five-day exercise.