A study by AFREhealth found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of severe outcomes and death compared to non-pregnant women. The research, presented by Prof. Jean Nachega, was conducted in six African countries and involved 1,315 women. It concluded that pregnant women should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. The WHO recommends several vaccines for pregnant women, and health officials in Uganda are urging pregnant women to get vaccinated, countering misinformation about vaccine safety.

Human rights activists in Uganda have praised the Parliament's decision to reject compulsory vaccination, including for COVID-19, in the Public Health Amendment Bill 2021. They advocate for education, sensitization, and informed consent over force. The initial proposal included fines or imprisonment for non-compliance, but was met with backlash for infringing on personal rights. Activists emphasize the importance of addressing misinformation and ensuring the public is well-informed about the benefits of vaccines.

Uganda has launched a national malaria youth corps to combat malaria by 2030, with the initiative unveiled by Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze of the Ministry of Health. The youth corps aims to leverage digital tools and youth energy to address the high malaria burden in Uganda. The launch event awarded prizes to innovative youth for their contributions to malaria diagnosis and data collection. The initiative is part of a broader African strategy led by the African Leaders Malaria Alliance to integrate youth in health strategies and promote malaria elimination through advocacy and action.

The Ugandan government and civil society organizations have reached a ceasefire to improve their relationship, as revealed by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao. The agreement includes mutual respect and refraining from hostile language. The Multi-party Youth Forum, led by Ismael Kirya, presented demands to the government, including lowering MP nomination fees and controlling election financing. Internal Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire expressed support for civil society. The article also references the historical tension between the government and civil society, including the closure of the Democratic Governance Facility.

The body of Masette Kuuya, former labor and rehabilitation minister in the Obote II government, has been returned to Uganda for burial. Kuuya, who had been living in Kenya since the overthrow of the Obote II regime in 1985, passed away at Kenyatta University Teaching Hospital. His body was received at Entebbe by MPs Peter Welikhe and Richard Wanda. A funeral service will be held at St. Andrew’s Church in Bukoto, followed by ceremonies in Mbale and his burial in Bukhakha village. Kuuya, a prominent figure in the Uganda People’s Congress, is remembered for his contributions to infrastructure projects in Uganda.

Uganda hosts the highest number of unaccompanied refugee children globally, with 53,996 such children reported in 2022. The report by SOS Children’s Village and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development highlights the risks these children face, including sexual violence and neglect. The majority of these children come from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. Experts call for increased protection and support for these vulnerable children, including better foster care and adoption practices.

Uganda and Kenya are urged to create comprehensive registries for vulnerable groups to streamline social assistance during future lockdowns. The call was made by Evelyne Opondo of the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) during the launch of a report on the impact of COVID-19 on women in the informal sector. The report highlights the challenges faced by women during the lockdowns and the inefficiencies in the distribution of aid. Peggy Clark of ICRW emphasized the need for inclusive, gender-responsive policies. The Ugandan government is working on a robust social protection database for future crises.

Margaret Muhanga, Uganda's primary healthcare state minister, advocates for bars to open only after 5:00 p.m. to curb alcohol abuse. She highlights the need for restricted advertising, higher taxes, and stricter laws on alcohol sales. The Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance's 2022 report reveals Uganda as Africa's leading alcohol consumer, prompting calls for stringent regulations. Key stakeholders, including WHO representatives, emphasize the importance of protecting young people and increasing the drinking age. The report underscores the significant social and economic impact of alcohol consumption in Uganda.

Patrick Masette Kuuya, a prominent minister in the Obote II government, has passed away at Kenyatta Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. After the 1985 overthrow of the Obote II regime, Kuuya lived in Kenya, where he pursued an academic career, earning a PhD and lecturing in economics at Kenyatta University. He held several senior positions in Uganda, including MP Bugisu South, minister for rehabilitation, UPC treasurer, and chairperson of the National Council of Sports. Kuuya is remembered for his contributions to infrastructure projects in Uganda.

Small clinics in Kampala are struggling to manage Ebola cases due to a lack of training and protective gear. Health experts warn that these clinics are inadvertently exposing themselves and others to the virus. The Health Ministry and WHO emphasize the need for proper referral and management of Ebola patients to prevent further spread. Promises of training and provision of PPE are made, but clinic workers like Mary Nalumu express concerns over the current lack of support and resources.

Uganda is set to launch a policy for the use of injectable antiretrovirals, specifically cabotegravir, for HIV prevention. The policy, guided by WHO guidelines, will be approved next month, with rollout expected in the next financial year. The injectable option is seen as easier to adhere to compared to oral PrEP and is expected to reduce gender-based violence by offering a discreet prevention method. The drug, developed by ViiV Healthcare and Janssen, has been approved in North America and Europe. Despite its high cost, there is hope for donor intervention to make it affordable. Research is ongoing to test its safety among pregnant women and adolescents. Additionally, Uganda plans to start clinical trials for an HIV cure using gene therapy in 2024.

The article highlights the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines in Uganda due to inadequate communication from the Ministry of Health. It discusses the case of Peninah Lukuyah, who attributed her malaria to the COVID-19 vaccine, leading to fear and reluctance among her neighbors to get vaccinated. The article emphasizes the need for better public sensitization to combat myths and falsehoods. It also touches on the proposed Health Bill, which has raised concerns about human rights violations related to compulsory vaccination and treatment.

Health professionals in Uganda are calling for stricter regulation of donated assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and artificial limbs, which are often outdated and unsuitable for recipients' needs. They criticize the lack of professional assessment and regulation, leading to the distribution of inappropriate and potentially harmful devices. MPs on the health committee have pledged to support better regulation and budget allocation for rehabilitation services. The article highlights the urgent need for policy changes to ensure that assistive technologies are safe and effective for people with disabilities.

The Ugandan Government is set to launch a policy for the use of injectable antiretrovirals as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection. Health ministry director Dr. Joshua Musinguzi announced the approval of cabotegravir for bi-monthly injections, with guidelines and policy to be approved soon. The policy is based on WHO guidelines and tailored for Uganda. The drug, developed by ViiV Healthcare and used with Janssen's rilpivirine, has been approved in North America and Europe. Activists and researchers, including Charles Brown and Dr. Andrew Mugurusi, emphasize the drug's safety, efficacy, and benefits, especially for women. The injectable is expensive, but donor intervention is expected to facilitate access. The CDC Uganda is considering including HIV injectables in PEPFAR's innovations. Additionally, research on lenacapavir, a six-month injectable, and gene therapy for an HIV cure is underway in Uganda.

Ugandan scientists from Makerere University, supported by the African Union’s High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies, are planning to use gene drive technology to combat malaria in Uganda and other sub-Saharan African countries. The technology involves genetically engineering mosquitoes to reduce or eliminate their ability to spread malaria. Field trials are expected within five to ten years in Uganda, Mali, and Burkina Faso. However, the release of these mosquitoes requires an enabling law for genetically modified organisms, which is pending approval by Uganda's Parliament. The World Health Organisation has certified over 40 countries as malaria-free, and Uganda is aiming to join this list. Dr Monica Musenero, Uganda's minister of science and technology, emphasized the importance of science in development and mentioned ongoing efforts to create an indigenous malaria vaccine. President Yoweri Museveni has previously rejected the GMO Bill twice, citing the need for caution and safeguards.

Frustration is mounting among Makerere University veterinary students and graduates due to the Uganda Veterinary Board's (UVB) suspension of their registration and licensing, citing poor training structures. The university is seeking funds to improve facilities, while students and graduates criticize the board's operations and potential conflicts of interest. Discussions are ongoing to resolve the issue, with positive developments anticipated.

The article by Sam Wakhakha discusses the environmental impact of the expansion of sugarcane plantations in Mayuge district, Uganda. Arise Africa International is clearing part of Bukaleba forest reserve for this purpose, and the construction of a new sugar mill by Mayuge Sugar Industries has intensified land clearing activities. Both small and large-scale farmers are involved, with some leasing previously forested land for sugarcane cultivation. The district forest officer and environmentalists express concerns over the rapid deforestation and its potential effects on the local ecosystem and climate. Kakira Sugar, another sugar producer in the region, has opposed the new factory, citing policy on exclusive zoning. Despite environmental concerns, local politicians and communities support the project due to its economic benefits, although the long-term environmental costs could be significant.

The Ugandan health ministry is finalizing the reintroduction of the National Health Insurance scheme to the Cabinet, aiming for parliamentary approval. The bill, previously passed but unsigned by the President, faced opposition from private companies over financial obligations. Dr. Charles Olaro emphasized the necessity of the scheme, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frederick Makaire of Save For Health suggested community insurance schemes could aid in mobilization and premium collection. Parliament's health committee vice-chair, Joel Ssebikaali, urged for the bill's swift passage, noting Uganda's lag in East Africa regarding national health insurance schemes.

Clement Okumu Omubba, a renowned economics teacher, passed away at his home after supervising exams in Kamuli district. He was celebrated for his impactful teaching career at various schools in Uganda, including Nabumali High School and Tororo Girls School. Okumu was also known for authoring pamphlets that helped students excel in economics. He was remembered fondly by colleagues and former students for his humility, intellect, and dedication to teaching. His burial is scheduled to take place at his ancestral home in Namayingo.

The Prep Uganda app, initially launched in 2018, has been upgraded to include information on injectable Prep, HIV self-testing, mother-to-child transmission, voluntary male circumcision, and gender-based violence. James Brown from Preventive Care International highlighted the app's role in providing accessible HIV prevention and treatment information. Dr. Flavia Kiweewa from Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration emphasized the effectiveness of injectable Prep over oral methods. Ruth Akulu from the International Community of Women Living with HIV called for extending Prep services to private health facilities. The app, supported by the health ministry and USAID, aims to accelerate the uptake of HIV interventions.

Health experts in Uganda have assured the public of the safety of upcoming Ebola vaccine trials, emphasizing voluntary participation and the importance of consent. The trials, involving 3,000 at-risk individuals, will test the Oxford and Sabin vaccines. The World Health Organisation and the National Council of Science and Technology have reviewed the protocols. Previous successful trials in Guinea for the Ebola Zaire vaccine are highlighted as a precedent. Human rights advocates stress the need for informed consent, drawing parallels with COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is collaborating with the Ugandan government to initiate vaccine trials for the Ebola Sudan virus amidst the current outbreak in Uganda. Dr. Otim Patrick Cossy Ramadan from WHO confirmed ongoing discussions and potential trials. The outbreak, announced on September 20, has resulted in 10 deaths and 7 recoveries, spreading to multiple districts. WHO is also in talks with vaccine manufacturers, aiming to develop a vaccine within a month. The Ebola Sudan strain, less studied than the Ebola Zaire strain, presents unique challenges. Experts from Makerere University emphasize the importance of models used in COVID-19 vaccine development for this effort.

Ugandan health experts advocate for the injectable HIV treatment drug, cabotegravir long-acting (CAB-LA), as a superior option for both treatment and prevention of HIV. CAB-LA, currently in the final stages of trials, is highlighted for its potential to address adherence issues associated with oral PrEP drugs. Experts, including Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Dr. Joshua Yiga, emphasize its efficacy and convenience, particularly for vulnerable groups. The World Health Organization has endorsed CAB-LA, and there is a push for its accessibility in low-income countries to prevent HIV transmission, especially among young women in sub-Saharan Africa. The success of CAB-LA will depend on its affordability and availability to those most in need.

Health researchers have urged the Ministry of Health to create tailored messaging to boost vaccine confidence among people living with HIV, addressing their concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy. The study, led by Richard Muhindo from the Infectious Disease Institute, found that misconceptions and fears about side effects deterred some HIV-positive individuals from getting vaccinated. The research, conducted in Kampala and Wakiso district, involved 767 participants and highlighted the need for better training for health professionals to confidently advise on vaccination. Recommendations include periodic information sessions and addressing specific concerns about vaccine interactions with HIV and ART.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is expected to significantly impact the prices of wheat and its products in Uganda, including chapati and kikomando. Dr. Edrine Mutebi, an international trade policy expert, highlights that disruptions in wheat supply from these major producers, coupled with sanctions on Russia, will lead to global shortages and price hikes. Uganda, which imports a substantial amount of wheat from Russia and Ukraine, will feel the economic shocks, affecting local consumers and businesses. The price of wheat flour and cooking oil has already seen an increase, and further disruptions could exacerbate the situation.