Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has reported a significant rise in Mpox cases across the city, with Kawempe division accounting for the highest number of cases at 56, out of a total of 96 confirmed cases citywide.
The increase has raised concern among health officials, prompting new measures to control the spread, particularly among high-risk groups such as sex workers and boda boda riders, who are disproportionately affected.
The Mpox response effort is led by Richard Walyomu, the incident commander for Mpox in Kampala, who disclosed that Lubaga, Central, Nakawa, and Makindye divisions have also reported cases, with 13, 11, 8, and 9 cases, respectively.
“Currently, we’re seeing more cases among sex workers and boda boda riders, particularly in high-density areas like Kawempe. Many affected individuals have low immunity due to concurrent HIV infection, which heightens their vulnerability to the disease,” Walyomu explained.
Health officials have reported a range of occupations affected by the disease, including market vendors, timber dealers, and, to a lesser extent, individuals working in betting companies, salons, teachers, and children who contracted Mpox through parental contact.
With a few cases also confirmed in the nearby metropolitan districts of Wakiso (33 cases) and Mukono (6 cases), authorities are scaling up efforts to contain and mitigate the spread.
KCCA Implements Robust Response Measures
KCCA has launched a series of response measures to curb the growing Mpox threat. Walyomu noted that KCCA has formed Mpox coordination task forces in each city division, led by resident city commissioners (RCCs) and including religious leaders, healthcare providers, and other community stakeholders.
“Our primary aim is to improve awareness, mobilise resources, and manage the community-level response to Mpox cases,” he added.
As part of this response, KCCA has also mobilised a robust surveillance team and conducted training for around 200 village health teams (VHTs) across divisions. These teams are tasked with sensitising communities about Mpox symptoms, transmission, and prevention.
Dr. Sarah Zalwango, KCCA’s acting Director of Public Health, emphasised the importance of this community engagement, stating, “Our VHTs are on the ground, actively educating people about Mpox, its transmission, and preventive measures. Early detection is crucial to controlling the spread of the virus.”
Community Sensitisation and School Outreach Efforts
In addition to the task forces and VHTs, KCCA has expanded its outreach to schools in an effort to educate young people on Mpox prevention.
During a recent media engagement at City Hall, Dr. Zalwango announced that KCCA had organised sensitisation sessions in schools, using informational leaflets, charts, banners, and public announcements to reach as many people as possible.
However, she acknowledged that these materials have limited reach, underscoring the need for additional resources to support community education.
Laboratory and Clinical Capacity Building
To bolster its capacity to manage and detect Mpox cases, KCCA has trained surveillance focal persons and laboratory staff in both public and private healthcare facilities.
This training aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and ensure that Mpox cases are quickly identified and isolated when necessary. The authority has also strengthened its collaboration with healthcare facilities across the city to streamline response protocols.
Walyomu also emphasized that early intervention and effective management of cases are essential to containing the outbreak and preventing severe outcomes. “We are making progress, but we still need community buy-in and adherence to prevention measures like hygiene practices and prompt reporting of symptoms,” he remarked.
Concerns About High-Risk Groups and Next Steps
Health officials have flagged specific concerns about Mpox transmission among high-risk groups, primarily sex workers, boda boda riders, and individuals in close-contact professions.
Many in these groups have limited access to healthcare, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. KCCA’s continued efforts will focus on reaching these groups through tailored community interventions, aiming to reduce infection rates and protect the most vulnerable.
With Mpox cases expected to increase in the near term, KCCA has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report symptoms promptly.
Officials have also urged those at risk to seek medical care early, as Mpox can lead to severe complications if left untreated.