Mpox Crisis Deepens in Uganda as Funding Cuts Disrupt Testing

  In Kapchorwa District, a 32-year-old man from Kayimelil Cell, Central Division, and a 29-year-old from Kwomo Cell, Chema Sub-county have tested positive for Monkeypox (Mpox), sending shockwaves through the community. Dr. Sirajji Masai, the Kapchorwa District Health Officer, confirmed that both patients are currently in isolation at Kapchorwa Main Hospital, receiving treatment. He urged…

Health Minister Calls for Local Test Kit Manufacturing Amid Frequent Outbreaks

Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has urged pharmaceutical companies participating in the Uganda Health Pharma Healthcare Exhibition to invest in local test kit manufacturing, citing the country’s frequent disease outbreaks and heavy reliance on imports. Speaking at the event on Thursday, Aceng emphasized the urgent need for domestic production of diagnostic kits, especially as…

JCRC Performs First Stem-Cell Therapy in East Africa, Offering New Hope for Chronic Conditions

The Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC) has successfully treated its first patient using stem-cell therapy, marking a medical milestone in the East African region. The groundbreaking regenerative medicine procedure, performed Wednesday afternoon, involved the infusion of stem cells into a patient suffering from chronic back pain. Among the first to undergo this therapy was Dr.…

Heart Institute Expansion in Jeopardy as Church Blocks Critical Access Road

In yet another setback for Uganda’s fight against heart disease, Phaneroo Ministries, led by Apostle Grace Lubega, has denied the Uganda Heart Institute access to a crucial road—raising fears that life-saving emergency care could be compromised when the new hospital opens. Dr. John Omagino, Executive Director of the Heart Institute, revealed that construction of the…

Uganda Scrambles for HIV/AIDS Funding as USAID Freezes Support

The Uganda AIDS Commission and AHF Uganda Cares have appealed for an urgent allocation of Shs300 billion to sustain critical HIV/AIDS services, including essential drugs and laboratory supplies. The appeal was made on Tuesday before Parliament’s Health Committee, chaired by MP Joseph Ruyonga, following the suspension of funding from the United States Agency for International…

Uganda: Activists Warn of Crisis in Government’s Science-First Salary Policy

Activists have raised concerns over the government’s science-first policy, which prioritizes better remuneration for civil servants in science-related fields over their counterparts in arts-related services. They warn that the policy, intended to retain talent, is instead driving resignations among beneficiaries, leading to long-term consequences for the public sector. Speaking on findings from the Auditor General’s…

What is Sudan virus disease and how does it differ from other forms of Ebola?

Trials of a vaccine against Sudan virus have been launched in Uganda following an outbreak. 7 February 2025 by Linda Geddes Health workers at a health outpost during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2019. Credit: Gavi/2019/Frederique Tissandier On 30 January 2025, Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease after…