(Kampala) – Kampala’s health officials have reported a sharp increase in Mpox cases, with 96 confirmed cases across the city’s divisions. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) confirmed that the most affected individuals include sex workers, boda boda riders, and market vendors. The Kawempe division has recorded the highest number of cases, with a total of 56 confirmed infections.
| Kampala Mpox Case Distribution | Number of Cases |
|---|---|
| Kawempe | 56 |
| Lubaga | 13 |
| Central | 11 |
| Nakawa | 8 |
| Makindye | 9 |
| Total in Kampala | 96 |
Richard Walyomu, the incident commander for Mpox response in Kampala at KCCA, explained that the high rate of infections among sex workers is likely due to low immunity among some of them, as many are HIV-positive. Additionally, boda boda riders, market vendors, and timber dealers are also reporting increased infections, reflecting the disease’s spread across various high-contact professions in Kampala.
Authorities noted a few cases in other groups, including workers at betting shops and salons, as well as isolated cases among teachers and children, who may have contracted the disease from infected parents. To curb the spread, KCCA has formed Mpox coordination task forces in each city division, led by the resident city commissioners. These teams include both religious leaders and health professionals to help manage and communicate response efforts.
Walyomu highlighted that KCCA has established a surveillance system with approximately 200 trained village health teams (VHTs) in each division. These teams are conducting community sensitization efforts, informing residents on how Mpox spreads and preventative measures. Additionally, KCCA is conducting awareness campaigns in schools, educating students on disease prevention and symptom recognition.
Dr. Sarah Zalwango, the acting Director of Public Health at KCCA, shared that surveillance focal persons and laboratory personnel in both public and private facilities are now trained to detect Mpox infections. Public health education materials, including leaflets and charts, as well as radio announcements, have been distributed to raise awareness, though she acknowledged that resources remain limited.
Beyond Kampala, Mpox cases have also been confirmed in the metropolitan areas, with 33 cases in Wakiso and six cases in Mukono.
