VillageReach Launches Program to Strengthen Infectious Disease Detection in Africa

VillageReach has launched a new program, funded by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, to enhance laboratory sample referral and transportation systems for epidemic-prone infectious diseases across Africa. The initiative, which began in January 2025, aims to strengthen health systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guinea, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. The program addresses key barriers…

Namisindwa Man Died of Tuberculosis, NOT Ebola

 Zadok Wabuse, a 78-year-old resident of Bukhabusi Sub-county in Namisindwa District, has been confirmed to have died from tuberculosis (TB), dispelling initial fears of an Ebola outbreak. Wabuse passed away at Bukhabusi Health Center III shortly after being admitted. His death raised alarm as he exhibited Ebola-like symptoms, including bleeding from multiple body openings. This…

Parliament Approves UGX53 Billion More for Lubowa Hospital Amid Transparency Concerns

Parliament  approved an additional UGX53.119 billion for the controversial Lubowa Hospital project, bringing the total government investment to UGX529.588 billion. This approval came after Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja assured lawmakers that the hospital would be completed by April 2025, with medical workers already undergoing training in Italy. The decision faced strong resistance from the Opposition,…

Community Sensitization Efforts Reduce Jigger Infestations in Napak District

Jigger infestations have significantly declined in Napak district following extensive community sensitization efforts. Between 2017 and 2022, jigger cases were widespread in Ngoleriet, Kangole, Lopei, and Lotome sub-counties, with Matany Hospital registering over 10 patients daily, most of them pregnant women seeking antenatal care. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 lockdown when people remained at…

Majority of Ugandans Fail to Meet Daily Fruit and Vegetable Intake, Study Finds

Only 12.2% of Ugandans consume the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, according to a new survey by the Makerere University School of Public Health. The study, which examined the prevalence of risk factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among Ugandans, found that 87.8% of the population falls short of the recommended intake.…

Makerere University Faces Research Crisis as US Aid Freeze Disrupts Key Projects

Makerere University, heavily reliant on foreign funding for its research initiatives, is among the institutions significantly affected by the aid freeze imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe stated that the university is compiling a comprehensive list of affected research projects across its colleges, schools, and units. Several…

Soroti Gynaecologist Remanded Over Patient’s Death Amid Negligence Charges

Dr. Godfrey Egwau, a gynecologist in Soroti City and the proprietor of Welfare Clinic, has been remanded to Soroti Government Prisons on charges of negligence following the death of a patient during childbirth. The Chief Magistrate at Soroti Magistrate Court, Sarah Nantongo, stated that she required additional time to review the sureties presented by Dr.…

Kalaki Reports First Monkeypox Case as Infections Rise in Teso Subregion

Kalaki District has become the second district in the Teso Subregion to report Monkeypox (Mpox), following three confirmed cases in Katakwi District last week. According to Dr. Anthony Eriatu, the Kalaki District Health Officer, the infection was detected at Kalaki Health Centre III after laboratory tests confirmed the virus. Dr. Eriatu stated that the case…

Construction of 250-Bed Uganda Heart Institute Facility Launched

The Uganda Heart Institute has officially begun constructing a state-of-the-art, 250-bed facility to expand cardiac care in the country. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng urged the contractors, Arab Contractors, to work diligently, emphasizing that the facility is a key national deliverable as Uganda prepares for the 2026 General Elections.…