The Ministry of Health has called on cultural leaders of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu Kingdom in the Rwenzori subregion to support the acceptance of the new malaria vaccine among communities. The ministry plans to introduce the R21 malaria vaccine for children under two years old starting April 1, 2024, as part of efforts to combat one of the leading causes of child mortality in Uganda.  

Mental health issues are increasingly affecting Ugandans, with 30% of the population now suffering from mental health disorders, according to Dr. Juliet Naku, the Director of Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital. Dr. Naku revealed these statistics during the launch of a mental health awareness campaign led by the Queen of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, at Bulange Mengo.

Mbale City, Uganda – After enduring a grueling two-month dry spell, the residents of Mbale were finally blessed with a much-needed downpour this morning. The rains, which lasted for about 30 minutes, brought a wave of relief and joy to the community, especially farmers who had been struggling with the prolonged drought.

For many locals, the rains were a sign of hope and renewal. Ismail, a resident of Mbale, expressed his gratitude, saying, "It has been so long without rain, and life has been really hard. But now that God has blessed us with some rain, I feel relieved and warm. As a farmer, I am soon heading to my village to prepare my gardens because these rains are a sign that the serious rains are about to come."

The sudden downpour saw many residents rushing to collect water using whatever containers they could find—saucepans, jerricans, basins, and more. The sight of people filling their containers was a testament to the desperation caused by the dry spell and the immense value of the rain.

The rains also brought a welcome respite from the intense heat that had been plaguing the region. "We could not even sleep well due to the heat at night," said one resident. "But after this rain, we hope to sleep better."

However, not everyone in Mbale City had reason to celebrate. The heavy rains exposed the city's poor drainage system, leading to flooding along Palissa Road. The flooding caused traffic jams and disrupted business for shop owners along the road, as buyers were unable to cross the waterlogged areas to access their shops. City officials are now faced with the challenge of addressing the drainage issues to prevent future flooding.

Despite these challenges, the overwhelming sentiment among the residents of Mbale is one of gratitude. The rains have brought a sense of renewal and hope, particularly for farmers who are now preparing their fields for the upcoming planting season. For many, the rains are a reminder of nature's ability to bring both challenges and blessings.

As Mbale City residents  look forward to more rains in the coming weeks, the community remains hopeful that the worst of the dry spell is behind them. The rains, though brief, have already begun to transform the landscape and the spirits of the people, proving that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for joy and renewal.

In a recent crackdown on illegal drug sales, the National Drug Authority (NDA) has arrested four individuals, including three men and one woman, for allegedly selling human drugs, including antiretroviral (ARV) medications, in open markets in Mbale District. The arrests were made following a tip-off from an informer, according to Mr. Abiazzi Rwamwiri, the NDA spokesperson.