KAMPALA, Uganda – The Ministry of Health has raised the alarm over a growing measles outbreak, warning that thousands of children, particularly those under age 5, remain at risk due to low vaccination coverage.
Director General of Health Services Dr. Charles Olaro confirmed the increase in cases during a press statement at the Uganda Media Centre. He described measles as a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact.
Measles is a deadly and highly contagious disease that poses a serious threat to children under 5 years of age, especially those who are not vaccinated, Olaro said.
Uganda has made progress in improving immunization coverage, with measles vaccination rates rising from 79 percent in 2016 to 90 percent in 2024. However, this remains below the 95 percent threshold required to achieve herd immunity and prevent outbreaks.
Health officials revealed that in 2025, 66 districts reported confirmed measles outbreaks, resulting in 10,163 cases and 60 deaths. Nearly a third of those fatalities occurred in the Karamoja sub-region. Between January and April 2026, 20 districts, including Bulambuli, Kassanda, Kibaale, Gulu, and Adjumani, confirmed outbreaks that have already claimed 12 lives this year.
Ministry investigations show that 75 percent of measles cases occur among children under 5, while 64 percent of affected children had not received any measles-rubella vaccine.
The low uptake of the second dose of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, given at 18 months, is a major gap, Olaro said. He noted that only 64 percent of children received the second dose in 2025, compared to 92 percent for the first dose.
The ministry attributes the surge in infections to several factors, including low vaccination coverage, a lack of awareness regarding the second dose, and vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation. Challenges in reaching remote communities, weak disease surveillance, and delayed healthcare-seeking behavior also contribute to the spread.
Many of the deaths we are seeing are linked to preventable factors such as malnutrition, delayed treatment, and failure to vaccinate, the statement said.
In response, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with Gavi, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, has activated a nationwide outbreak response strategy. The plan includes intensified surveillance, emergency vaccination drives, and community engagement initiatives. Authorities are also utilizing Integrated Child Health Days to expand access to immunization services.
To curb the spread, the government has announced a national Measles-Rubella immunization campaign scheduled for Oct. 1-5, 2026. The campaign aims to vaccinate all children aged 9 to 59 months, regardless of their previous vaccination status. This includes children living in refugee settlements.
Vaccination services will be provided free of charge through health facilities, schools, outreach programs, and mobile units.
We call upon all parents and caregivers to ensure that every eligible child is vaccinated during this campaign, Olaro said. No child should be left behind.
Health officials emphasized that measles is entirely preventable through vaccination. Children require two doses of the Measles-Rubella vaccine—the first at 9 months and the second at 18 months—for full protection.
Parents and guardians, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is fully vaccinated, Olaro said. This is the most effective way to protect not only your child but the entire community.
The ministry has appealed to community leaders, religious institutions, and development partners to support mobilization efforts ahead of the October campaign. Health authorities warned that sustained public cooperation is critical to preventing further loss of life as the country battles the resurgence.
