Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Flagging off of National Medical Stores Vehicles transporting mosquito nets to different wards in Mbarara City
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MBARARA CITY
Mbarara City has received 171,750 insecticide-treated mosquito nets from the Ministry of Health in a renewed effort to curb malaria and support Uganda’s target of eliminating the disease by 2030.
The consignment, comprising 3,435 bales, is part of a nationwide Shs 365 billion campaign to distribute 25.8 million mosquito nets across 130 districts.
The nets were commissioned at Mbarara City headquarters by a delegation that included South Division Deputy RCC Gerald Tukamuhebwa, City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, and Deputy Town Clerk Ejua Simon.
Distribution will cover all 23 wards in the city, with one mosquito net allocated for every two people, in line with World Health Organization guidelines.
Flagging off mosquito nets to the field
Zero Tolerance for Misuse and Corruption
City leaders have warned residents against the misuse of mosquito nets, particularly for activities such as fishing and poultry rearing.
Mayor Robert Kakyebezi emphasized that the nets are strictly intended for malaria prevention.
“These mosquito nets have been provided by the Ministry of Health to ensure that residents sleep under them and protect themselves from malaria,” he said.
“We urge all beneficiaries to avoid past practices of misusing them for poultry or fishing. Such behavior must stop.”
He further warned against the sale of the nets, stressing that they are free government supplies.
“No one should pay for a mosquito net. Anyone found selling them will be arrested. If you are asked for money, report to my office or the RCC immediately,” the Mayor added. 
Receiving of mosquito nets at Mbarara city council
Ensuring Last-Mile Delivery
The distribution exercise will be coordinated by Community Health Extension Workers, Village Health Teams (VHTs), and local council leaders to ensure the nets reach all households.
Deputy RCC Gerald Tukamuhebwa flagged off the transportation of the nets to various wards, emphasizing the importance of prevention.
“Malaria remains a major challenge, and prevention is better than cure. These nets are free, and no one should be charged,” he said.
Mbarara City Council Programme Coordinator Dorcus Twinabaitu noted that the mass distribution is conducted every three years to maintain adequate coverage.
“We call upon local leaders to ensure a smooth, transparent, and effective distribution process,” she said.
Dorcus Twinabaitu, Programme Cordinator Mbarara City Council
National Efforts to Fight Malaria
The distribution comes amid ongoing national efforts to reduce malaria cases.
According to the 2024 World Malaria Report, Uganda ranks third globally in malaria cases and ninth in deaths. In 2025 alone, the country recorded approximately 11.7 million cases and 2,342 deaths, more than half involving children under five.
Mosquito net trailer parked at Mbarara City Council
Dr. Richard Kabanda, Commissioner at the Ministry of Health, said the 2025/2026 Malaria Elimination Strategy is focused on expanding access to prevention and treatment services.
“We continue to face challenges such as inconsistent use of preventive measures, climate variability, and emerging resistance,” he said.
“Efforts are being intensified at all levels to ensure universal access to malaria services.”
Health experts note that consistent use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets can reduce malaria transmission by up to 50 percent.
The campaign is funded jointly by the Government of Uganda, the Global Fund, and the Government of the United States, in line with Uganda Vision 2040 targets.
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