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MINISTRY OF HEALTH CONFIRMS MEASLES OUTBREAK IN ADJUMANI, ACTIVATES EMERGENCY RESPONSE MEASURES.

By Bazio DoreenThe Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Adjumani District Local Government, has confirmed a measles outbreak in Apaa Parish, Itirikwa Sub County, Adjumani District, with 30 laboratory-confirmed cases and two deaths reported to date.In line with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework, the Ministry has activated the District Task Force to coordinate a multi-sectoral emergency response aimed at interrupting transmission and preventing further spread of the disease.The Resident District Commissioner, Tako Swaib, affirmed government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through coordinated interventions.“Government has instituted immediate response measures, including intensified surveillance, case management, and mass immunization. We urge all parents and caregivers to ensure that children are fully immunized against measles,” he stated.Preliminary findings from district surveillance teams indicate that the outbreak is largely associated with sub-optimal routine immunization coverage. According to the District Surveillance Focal Person, Olony Paul, approximately 65% of the affected individuals had not received the measles vaccine.“This outbreak highlights persistent immunity gaps within communities. Strengthening routine immunization and outreach services remains critical to preventing future outbreaks,” he noted.The Ministry further notes that population movement and limited access to health services—partly attributed to ongoing border challenges—have disrupted routine vaccination activities in the affected areas.The Medical Superintendent, Ambaku Michael, emphasized the importance of cross-border and inter-district collaboration in managing public health risks.“Coordinated efforts between Adjumani and neighboring districts, including Amuru, are essential to ensure comprehensive surveillance and effective outbreak control,” he said.Response interventions currently being implemented include: Active case search and line listing; Community-based surveillance and risk communication; Targeted supplementary immunization activities (SIAs); and Case management in designated health facilitiesMeasles remains a highly contagious viral disease, with a basic reproduction number (R₀) ranging between 12 and 18, making rapid transmission likely in unvaccinated populations. However, it is preventable through safe and effective vaccination, with two doses of the measles-containing vaccine providing up to 97% protection.Uganda’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) recommends routine measles vaccination for all children, with periodic supplementary campaigns conducted to close immunity gaps and achieve herd immunity thresholds of at least 95%.The Ministry of Health reassures the public that the situation is under control and calls upon all communities to cooperate with health workers, adhere to vaccination schedules, and promptly report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.                                             END  MEASLES OUTBREAK HITS ADJUMANI, 30 CASES AND TWO DEATHS CONFIRMEDBy Esther GunePanic and concern have emerged in Adjumani District following a confirmed measles outbreak in Apaa Itirikwa Sub-county, where health authorities have recorded 30 laboratory-confirmed cases and two deaths, prompting urgent discussions during the District Task Force meeting as officials warn of a possible rapid spread of the highly contagious disease if immediate containment measures are not strengthened.District leaders say the outbreak has created tension within the health department as teams intensify surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and community sensitization efforts to contain the disease, especially among vulnerable children in hard-to-reach areas.The Resident District Commissioner, Tako Swaib, confirmed the outbreak and urged residents to embrace immunization despite ongoing border disputes affecting the area.“We have confirmed a measles outbreak in Apaa Itirikwa Sub-county, and I encourage all residents to take their children for vaccination to protect the community. Despite the border disputes in the area, health services will continue to ensure the outbreak is contained,” Swaib said.Health officials attributed the outbreak mainly to low vaccination coverage in the affected communities. The District Surveillance Focal Person, Olony Paul, revealed that a significant number of those infected had not received routine immunization.“The major cause of this measles outbreak is low vaccination coverage. About 65% of the 32 affected individuals were not vaccinated, and the ongoing border disputes have also interfered with immunization activities and access to health services,” Olony explained.According to health authorities, population movements and limited access to health facilities due to insecurity linked to border disagreements have made it difficult for health workers to conduct routine vaccination outreach programs.The Medical Superintendent of Adjumani District, Ambaku Michael, said the situation highlights the need for joint intervention between neighbouring districts to effectively manage disease outbreaks in border communities.“All these results are largely due to the ongoing border disputes, which have affected health service delivery and vaccination efforts. There is a need for close collaboration between Adjumani District and Amuru District to effectively control and prevent further spread of the outbreak,” Ambaku said.District health teams have since heightened surveillance, community screening, and immunization campaigns while urging parents and guardians to ensure children receive measles vaccines to prevent further infections.Health authorities warn that measles remains highly contagious but preventable through vaccination, calling on communities to cooperate with health workers as response efforts continue across affected areas.                                            END

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SERVICE ROLLS OUT BALANCED SCORE CARD INITIATIVE TO ADJUMANI

By: Anzoo Evaline and Bazio Doreen.The Ministry of Public Service has conducted a training for Heads of Departments, Head teachers of both Primary and Secondary schools, and institutional in-charges in Adjumani District on the use of the Balanced Score Card as a new approach to staff appraisal aimed at improving service delivery.The training brought together key supervisors responsible for managing public servants, equipping them with skills to effectively monitor and evaluate staff performance using the newly introduced system.While making his opening remarks at the training that took place on 25th March 2026 at the district council hall, Edema Richard emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the initiative which was launched in 2024 replaced traditional appraisal and there is a need for all staff to adopt it.“I implore you to adopt this initiative to improve the assessment and appraisal of the performance of the staff that you supervise,” Edema said.Officials from the Ministry explained that the introduction of the Balance Score Card is part of broader government efforts to address concerns about performance in public service and digitize government systems.On the other hand, Charles Matuma, the Principal Human Resources Officer, noted that the Ministry of Public Service had introduced the initiative in response to complaints from the public on the quality of service delivery offered to them.“You are aware there are a lot of complaints in the public about the performance of public officers and therefore that's the reason the government has come up with a number of strategies on how to improve performance. For this particular visit, we have come to sensitize you on the new appraisal tool,” Matuma said.He added: “The Balanced Score Card is expected to not only digitize and automate human resource supervision but also make salary payment more efficient".On her part, Hon. Adrupio Irene Appi, the Secretary for Finance who represented the District Chairperson, called on participants to embrace the new system and apply the knowledge gained.“Nowadays new things are coming every time. Those days we sit face to face. Discuss what you want with your supervisor. But now the government is coming to have us online where you think you can do whatever you want. So, I ask everybody in this room let us abide by what they have equipped us with,” Hon. Appi said.The training marks a significant step in strengthening accountability and performance management in public institutions within Adjumani, with leaders expected to cascade the knowledge to their respective teams for improved service delivery.The Balanced Score Card is in line with the National/District Development Plan IV; the District Clients Charter (2025 – 2030); Annual Work plans, schedule of duties; Performance management guidelines; and performance contracts.END.

PABULE CLAN HANDS OVER 45.422 ACRES OF LAND FOR PRESIDENTIAL LODGE IN ADJUMANI

By Bazio Doreen  and Anzoo Evaline,Clan members of the Pabule clan in Robidire Village, Alere Parish, Pachara Sub County in Adjumani District have officially handed over 45.422 acres of land to a team from State House for the construction and establishment of a Presidential lodge in the Madi Sub-Region.The State House delegation was led by Dr. Ochen Morris, who received the land on behalf of government following a follow-up letter written by Hon. Ababiku Jesca after a pledge by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.Speaking during the handover on Monday 16th March 2026 at the district headquarters, Hon. Ababiku Jesca said the development follows her letter dated February 19th, 2026, written shortly after the general elections, emphasizing the need to secure land for State House development.“This meeting is about the follow up letter that I wrote on 19th February 2026 after the general election on the need to give land to State House for development and I have been following this matter. Therefore, at this point, I want to appreciate the head of state. We are so grateful for fulfillment of pledges he has been making to people of Madi sub-region and Adjumani specifically,” she said.Mzee Amoko Sisto, the clan leader of Pabule clan, stated that “I am here to tell you that the clan members of Pabule have offered the land for the president free of charge since 2019 and today, are here to hand it over to you and also to say that you can start using the land,” .According to the Adjumani District Land Surveyor, Akuku Charles, the land was voluntarily offered by the Pabule clan and is located in Robidire Village, Alere Parish, Pachara Sub County, within Adjumani West Constituency.“The land for the state lodge is donated by Pabule clan. It is situated in Robidire village, Alere Parish, Pachara Sub County, Adjumani West Constituency. Joint verification of the boundary of this land was conducted and it was given free of charge,” he noted.Akuku further confirmed that the land measures approximately 45.422 acres and is free from any encumbrances.While receiving the land, Dr. Ochen, said that the government is ready to take the next steps towards development.“Today, we are in Adjumani to receive the land which was offered by the people of Adjumani, particularly the Pabule clan. They gave the land to the president to establish a state lodge. There has been follow-up especially from the Woman Member of Parliament. Today, we are here to receive the land, assess the suitability, and see how we can start the other engagements on the land,” he said.He added that immediate plans include clearing and fencing the land, as well as establishing a presidential demonstration farm on part of the land.“Now that we have received the land and found no encumbrance, we should clear the land, have it fenced, and then also put a presidential demonstration farm on part of that land,” he added.The Lopirigo of the Madi Cultural Institution, HRH Opi Suru Simon Baru, applauded the community for supporting government programs and highlighted the benefits of their political choices.“I want to thank the people of Madi for voting President Museveni. You have now immediately started seeing the advantages of your votes. I also want to assure the people from State House that we still have land in other sub counties of Adjumani. If you want more land for development, we are ready to give,” he said.The establishment of the presidential lodge is expected to boost development and strengthen government presence in the Madi sub-region.END