Health 30 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Measles Outbreak Claims Five Children's Lives in Uganda's Kagadi District
A confirmed measles outbreak in Kagadi district, mid-western Uganda, has killed five children under five in the sub-counties of Kyakabadima, Kyaterekera, and Ndaiga. Health authorities are ramping up vaccinations, sensitization efforts, and treatment with Vitamin A supplements to contain the spread. Source: https://observer.ug/news/five-children-dead-as-measles-outbreak-hits-kagadi-district
A deadly measles outbreak has struck Kagadi district in mid-western Uganda, resulting in the deaths of five young children. The virus has primarily affected kids aged one to five in the sub-counties of Kyakabadima, Kyaterekera, and Ndaiga.
District health educator Aisha Justine Tumwebaze confirmed the outbreak was first spotted in February 2026. Lab tests at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) verified the cases as positive for measles.
To fight the spread, officials have boosted immunization drives and community awareness programs. Infected children are receiving Vitamin A supplements during treatment. Tumwebaze advised avoiding crowds in impacted zones and ensuring all children get vaccinated.
Health teams are keeping a close watch as interventions expand district-wide. Kagadi has faced similar crises before, with six child deaths from measles in 2019 and 2020 across several sub-counties including Ndaiga.
Measles, a highly infectious virus, causes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white mouth spots, and a widespread rash, with symptoms emerging 10-14 days post-exposure.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)