Over 100 children immunised against polio in Kansanga

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Over 100 children have been vaccinated against polio and other preventable diseases in Kampala.

The October 27, 2025, exercise at Hope Clinic in Makindye Division was conducted as Rotary Club Kansanga and partners marked World Polio Day. The initiative combined immunisation drives with health education to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination in eradicating diseases.

Rotary Club Kansanga president Charles Mukose said the day’s dual focus: Vaccinating children and educating families on health practices. 

“We immunised children and weighed them to assess their growth, while advising mothers on child spacing and nutrition,” he said. 

The event, organised with Kampala International University Rotaract Club and other Rotary chapters, emphasised collaboration.

President Rotary club Kansanga, Charles Mukoose, immunising a baby as the Club joined the World to celebrate World Polio Day on October 27, 2025. (Photo by Wilfred Sanya)

Nsubuga Amos, in charge of Hope Clinic, praised the Rotary Clubs for bolstering community health services but raised concerns about staffing shortages. 

“Since the clinic was rehabilitated, we’ve seen a surge in patients, forcing our staff to work 12-hour days,” he said. 

“Health workers need regular shifts to avoid fatigue and ensure quality care.” He also urged mothers to prioritise breastfeeding, stating, “Children who aren’t properly breastfed are more prone to illness.”

Parental workshops are important

Hayirati Nabbosa, a mother of three immunised children at the event, shared her gratitude. “My children have never had side effects, and I’ve learned about spacing births for healthier families,” she said, urging couples to attend parenting workshops.

Rotary Club leaders echoed the need for sustained awareness. Erasmus Ampereza, Action President of Kampala International University Rotary Club, called on communities to participate in immunisation drives: We’re committed to a polio-free world, and every child must be vaccinated.

Musa Nyago, designate Charter President of Rotary Club Kibuli, added that some families still hide children from vaccines, but with more education, we can achieve zero polio.

While vaccination coverage in Uganda has risen from 14% in 1986 to 92% in 2023, gaps persist. 

In 2023 alone, 1.66 million suspected measles cases and 586 deaths were reported, linked to unvaccinated children. The health ministry now offers 14 vaccines against six killer diseases, yet outreach remains important.