Authorities in Iganga District, led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Dauda Kato, alongside health officials from the Ministry of Health, were compelled to intervene after some communities refused to participate in the ongoing mass immunisation campaign against polio.
The vaccination exercise, which was launched in Iganga at Nawansega in Namungalwe Sub County, faced resistance from some local communities.
Health officials had to rush to Bulanga Children Centre, where head teacher Mr. Muwanguzi Julius had refused to allow pupils to take part in the vaccination drive.
The government of Uganda initiated a mass polio immunisation campaign for children under five years old from October 3 to October 6, targeting 49 districts across Busoga, Bugisu, Bukedi, Teso, and Karamoja.
This initiative follows an outbreak of polio in Bugisu, particularly in Mbale City.
RDC Kato Dauda, after intervening in the situation at Bulanga Children Centre, reported that an agreement had been reached with the school's administration to vaccinate the pupils the following day.
He urged all schools to support the campaign, emphasizing that it is a vital measure to protect children's lives.
"We ask the schools to embrace the vaccination campaign—it is safe and meant to safeguard the health of our children," Kato said.
Dr. Karimu Mwebaza Muluya, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of preventive health, called on the community to participate in the vaccination exercise and condemned resistance from groups, particularly the triple six cults, who were actively opposing the campaign.
He reassured the public that all children will be vaccinated and appealed to private schools to cooperate.
Dr. Brenda Nakafeero Simbwa, an epidemiologist from the Ministry of Health and the vaccination supervisor for Iganga District, explained that the exercise was launched in Namungalwe Sub County due to resistance observed in certain areas.
"We have encountered challenges, with some communities hiding children and closing schools. However, other communities have been very receptive, and the vaccination campaign is proceeding," Dr. Nakafeero said.
She added that, thanks to the RDC's intervention, an agreement was reached to ensure children at resistant schools are vaccinated.