Wakiso District has received 1.773 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets from the Ministry of Health ahead of a mass distribution exercise scheduled for the first week of November 2026. The consignment, received by district leaders including LCV Chairperson Eng. Ian Kyeyune, will be stored in facilities identified by the Ministry of Health and the district malaria focal person before being distributed to households. The initiative is part of the government’s three-year malaria prevention strategy to reduce infections and deaths, with nets provided to households every three years. Kyeyune emphasized the urgency of the distribution, citing Wakiso’s population nearing five million, driven by its role as a commuter hub for Kampala, which strains local health services.
Kyeyune urged the Ministry of Health to grant Wakiso special consideration in future distributions, warning that the district’s rapid growth could outpace current resources. He also criticized the misuse of nets for fishing and poultry rearing, stating such practices undermine malaria prevention efforts. ‘People stay out late, get bitten, and blame nets for failing, yet the issue lies in improper use,’ he said. Kyeyune tasked technical officers with ensuring accountability, stressing that households should receive one net per two people and calling on local leaders to monitor distribution to prevent inequities. He highlighted the need for collaboration between district officials, health workers, and security agencies to safeguard the nets ahead of the November rollout.
Patrick Kagaiga Muhumuza, an Insecticide-Treated Nets Field Supervisor at National Medical Stores, underscored the importance of coordination between district leaders, health officials, and security personnel to ensure timely delivery to remote areas. He specifically mentioned municipalities like Katabi, Entebbe, and Masulita, where logistical challenges could delay distribution. Wakiso Assistant District Health Officer Betty Nabuganda noted that malaria remains the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the district, calling the net arrival a critical step in combating the disease. Meanwhile, Assistant Resident District Commissioner Muwanga Lutaaya pledged increased security at storage centers, warning that theft or resale of government-supplied nets would result in legal action.
The district now faces the challenge of ensuring equitable distribution while preventing misuse and theft. With the November exercise approaching, officials are focusing on community education, storage oversight, and inter-agency cooperation. Kyeyune reiterated the importance of proper net usage, emphasizing that consistent and correct application is vital to malaria prevention. The success of the distribution will depend on the collective efforts of health workers, local leaders, and residents to prioritize public health over alternative uses of the life-saving equipment.