Kabarole: 120 Gov’t Mosquito Nets Go Missing in Kichwamba Sub-County

During the ongoing countrywide distribution of mosquito nets to help in malaria prevention,the Ministry of Health sent a total of 240,880 nets to Kabarole District. Upon distribution to the various sub-county headquarters, Kichwamba was also given treated mosquito nets as per delivery reports from the Ministry of Health.

However, it was later confirmed that 3 big bales of the nets, which contained a total of 40 nets each summing to 120 mosquito nets went missing.

Dr. Shaban Mugerwa, the team leader for the distribution of mosquito nets from the Ministry of Health, said that the matter is under investigation.

“The security teams of Kichwamba Sub-county have started investigating so that the stolen nets are recovered,” he stated.

Festus Bandeeba, the Kabarole Deputy Resident District Commissioner retorted that this happened due to low coordination between the Ministry of Health and local leaders at the sub-county.

According to Bandeeba, Kichwamba local leaders should have been involved at all stages of the distribution exercise.

Brian Kisembo, the assistant Health leader in Kabarole district, said that 33% of people who go to hospitals are malaria patients and as such, sleeping under treated mosquito nets would help to fight against malaria.

It should be noted that earlier in June, a similar incident happened in Kaberamaido district where mosquito nets were stolen during distribution.

Government, through the Ministry of Health, on June 17, 2020, launched the distribution of 27 million mosquito nets countrywide in the fight against malaria, amidst the covid-19 pandemic. The distribution was flagged off by Dr Diana Atwine, the Health Ministry Permanent Secretary.

Through the ‘Under the net campaign’, every Ugandan under their respective households is receiving a free insecticide treated mosquito net.