To intensify the fight against malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Kazo District, Hajji Badru Mayanja Majwala, officially opened an integrated advocacy meeting where he rallied religious leaders to become frontline champions of government health programs.
Speaking at the gathering on Wednesday, Hajji Mayanja underscored the pivotal role religious leaders play in shaping community attitudes and behaviours, particularly regarding health.
“Religious leaders command respect and trust in our communities,” he said. “We need them to guide their congregations in adopting disease prevention measures and supporting health interventions.
It is disappointing to see mosquito nets intended to save lives being used to cover poultry. Let us encourage our people to use them correctly and get tested regularly,” Hajji Mayanja said.
His message was strongly supported by Acting District Health Officer, Madam Esther Bully, who called out faith leaders who discourage medical treatment, particularly antiretroviral therapy for HIV.
“It is unacceptable for any leader to tell people to stop taking life-saving medicine,” she said. “God helps those who help themselves. Let’s work together to keep our people healthy,” she added.
District Health Educator Fokushaba Scovia emphasised the importance of collective action.
“We urge you to tell your followers to get tested for HIV, TB, and other diseases. Our communities also need to take part in the ongoing malaria vaccination campaign,” she noted.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Mathius Mwesige, the Public Policy Coordinator for the National TB and Leprosy Program, called for stronger partnerships between religious institutions and government health agencies.
“The Ministry is investing in policies, training, and resources to improve health outcomes,” he said. “But we cannot do it alone. Your voices as faith leaders are powerful tools in community mobilisation.”
Kazo District Chairperson, Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, reiterated the message, highlighting the interdependence of faith and government in improving public health.
“Government and religious leaders must walk hand in hand,” he said. “Our fight against malaria in Kazo cannot succeed without your involvement,” he noted.
Kazo District, located within Uganda’s cattle corridor, continues to battle high malaria prevalence. The district’s average malaria positivity rate stands at a concerning 33%, with sub-county-specific rates as high as 63% in Kyampangara and 50% in Engari.
Despite these challenges, Kazo District Local Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, remains committed to reducing disease transmission.
The strategy includes intensified community sensitisation, the correct use of government-distributed mosquito nets, and the promotion of disease testing and vaccination.
As the meeting concluded, a renewed sense of partnership emerged, with religious leaders pledging to stand with health officials in spreading the message of prevention, testing, and treatment across their congregations.