The government has launched an ambitious nationwide mosquito net distribution campaign worth approximately $100 million (about Shs365 billion), targeting millions of Ugandans as part of renewed efforts to eliminate malaria by 2030.
In a statement issued on April 9 and attributed to Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, the Ministry of Health said the 2025/26 National Mosquito Net Distribution Campaign will distribute 25.8 million long-lasting insecticide-treated nets across 130 districts, in line with global health guidelines of one net for every two people.
The campaign is a key component of Uganda’s Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan and aligns with broader national development priorities under Vision 2040.
“Malaria remains one of the leading public health challenges in our country. However, it is both preventable and treatable,” the ministry said, noting that despite previous gains, the disease continues to exert a heavy toll on the population.
Uganda remains among the countries most affected by malaria globally. According to the latest figures cited by the ministry, the country accounts for 4.7 percent of global malaria cases and 2.7 percent of deaths. In 2025 alone, Uganda recorded over 11.7 million cases and 2,342 deaths, with more than half of the fatalities occurring among children under five.
Health officials also raised concern over a resurgence in malaria prevalence, which has risen to 12.5 percent, up from 9.2 percent in 2018/19. The increase has been attributed to factors such as declining adherence to prevention measures, climate variability, and emerging biological threats that affect the effectiveness of existing interventions.
Against this backdrop, the government says it is intensifying efforts to close gaps in prevention and treatment.
“It is against this background that the Ministry of Health is accelerating efforts to eliminate malaria by 2030,” the statement reads, adding that the strategy aims to reduce malaria deaths to zero through expanded access to services and targeted interventions.
Among the most effective tools in the fight against malaria, officials say, is the consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. When properly used, the nets can reduce malaria transmission by up to 50 percent and cut child mortality by as much as 25 percent.
The latest campaign builds on previous large-scale distributions. In 2010, the government distributed 7.2 million nets, achieving 64 percent coverage. This increased to 28 million nets in 2020 and 28.5 million in 2023, both reaching 98 percent coverage nationwide.
The current rollout is being implemented in phases. The first wave, completed in January 2026, saw 3.4 million nets distributed across 20 districts, protecting an estimated 6.5 million people. The second wave, now underway, targets 32 districts with 4.8 million nets expected to reach over 8.1 million Ugandans.
Subsequent phases will continue through May, July, and September, with the final phase specifically targeting urban areas including Kampala and Wakiso under a tailored urbanisation strategy.
The campaign is jointly funded by the Government of Uganda, the Global Fund, and the United States Government, with the bulk of the funding allocated to procurement, logistics, and distribution.
Beyond distribution, the ministry is also prioritising behavioural change and community engagement. Village Health Teams, local leaders, and partner organisations are expected to carry out household visits, educate communities on proper net use, and dispel myths surrounding malaria prevention.
The government has issued a strong call to action, urging households to register for the exercise, use the nets correctly, and seek medical attention promptly in case of fever.
“I urge all citizens to take ownership of their own health by ensuring that every household member sleeps under a mosquito net every night,” Dr Aceng said.
Officials also warned against misuse of mosquito nets for activities such as fishing or gardening, emphasizing that such practices undermine national efforts to control the disease.
The Ministry of Health expressed appreciation to development partners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders for their continued support in the fight against malaria, describing the campaign as a critical step toward a malaria-free Uganda.
