The former vice president of Uganda, Dr. Specioza Wandera Kazibwe, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Population and Health, has collaborated with the Busoga Health Forum (BHF) to launch an initiative aimed at eradicating malaria in Busoga.
This initiative focuses on mass spraying and mass treatment.
Dr. Kazibwe pointed out that a significant number of people in Busoga are infected with malaria. She advocated for killing mosquitoes through mass spraying instead of relying solely on mosquito nets. Community interventions have already begun, with key stakeholders being empowered to lead the efforts. Government support may be sought later.
During a meeting with Anglican Bishops from the three dioceses in Busoga at her home in Budwege village, Bulamagi Sub County, Iganga district, Dr. Kazibwe emphasized the importance of mass spraying to eliminate mosquitoes. She called upon the Bishops and other key parties to participate in the initiative. Additionally, she discussed goat rearing as a potential means to alleviate poverty.
Dr. Kazibwe and the Busoga Health Forum, where she serves as a special advisor, met with clan leaders of the “Baise Njiya” clan in Budwege. On Tuesday, she engaged with Busoga Bishops: Rt. Rev. Paul Samson Naimanhye Mukembo of Busoga Diocese, Rt. Rev. Patrick Wakula of Central Busoga Diocese, and Rt. Rev. Paul Hannington Suubi of East Busoga Diocese.
Dr. Kazibwe stated, “The reason for intensifying this program is because previous interventions, such as the use of bed nets, have not yielded satisfactory results. We need these stakeholders to support us by sensitizing our people.”
Bishop Naimanhye expressed gratitude to Dr. Kazibwe, stating that the programs had arrived at a critical time.
He urged people not to politicize the efforts to eradicate malaria and poverty. Bishop Suubi committed to supporting the campaign through church messages aimed at ending malaria and eradicating poverty.
Rt. Rev. Patrick Wakula of Central Busoga Diocese said, “We thank God for Dr. Kazibwe’s mission to eradicate malaria and poverty. Goat rearing is cost-effective and can be implemented quickly. I urge pastors, Reverends, canons, sheikhs, and everyone to embrace these programs for financial development and empowerment.”
Dr. Kazibwe, who is leading the initiative through the Busoga Health Forum, announced that they would start with Iganga district as a model before extending the program to other districts in the Busoga sub-region. She emphasized the importance of training and entrusting religious and clan leaders to disseminate the message and garner support, noting the influential role of worship centers and clans in Busoga.
“Research has shown that working with traditional societies, cultures, or clans ensures the sustainability of programs even after donor support ends. Community involvement is crucial for successful implementation,” Dr. Kazibwe stated during a meeting with clan leaders.
Mr. Richard Fredrick Mafumo, Minister for Culture in the Busoga Kingdom, and Mr. Lwigo Igulu, clan spokesperson and Prime Minister of Luuka Chiefdom, highlighted the vital role of clan leaders in preserving culture and directly interacting with their members. They urged clan leaders to educate people about malaria prevention during meetings, emphasizing the disease’s dangers and rapid lethality if not treated promptly.
Kyangwa Moses, Director of the Busoga Health Forum, stated that their goal is to begin mass spraying and mass treatment in Iganga district before expanding to other districts in Busoga. He noted that at least 25 people die daily from malaria and stressed the importance of empowering communities to change this narrative.