By Karim Were
KAMPALA** — Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called for renewed national commitment in the fight against malaria, urging all Ugandans to play an active role in eliminating the disease that continues to claim lives across the country.
Tayebwa made the remarks on Saturday while flagging off the **5km Annual Parliamentary Malaria Walk** at Parliament. He was joined by Government Chief Whip Jane Ruth Aceng, State Minister for Investment Amina Mukalazi, Belgian Ambassador to Uganda Hugues Chantry, Members of Parliament, development partners, health professionals, representatives of the Children’s Parliament and members of the public.
Among the leaders who participated in the walk were Lydia Wanyoto and Minister Amina Mukalazi, who joined Tayebwa in the campaign aimed at raising awareness about malaria prevention and control.
Speaking during the event, Tayebwa described the walk as a call to action, saying the fight against malaria requires collective responsibility from every Ugandan.
“We want every Ugandan to understand that ending malaria is everyone’s responsibility. No one plans to contract malaria, yet the disease continues to claim lives every day, especially among young children and pregnant women, while placing a heavy burden on families and the country’s health system,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker warned that climate change is expected to complicate malaria control efforts, citing scientific projections that changing weather patterns could increase the spread of the disease. He urged stakeholders to intensify prevention and control measures.
Tayebwa said Parliament has continued to advocate for increased investment in malaria prevention through legislation, public awareness campaigns and enhanced support for health facilities.
He noted that these efforts have contributed to increased funding for the recruitment of additional health workers, strengthening the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to malaria and other diseases.
He also welcomed Uganda’s progress in manufacturing malaria rapid diagnostic test kits locally, saying the development would reduce dependence on imports and improve access to essential diagnostic services.
During the event, Tayebwa reflected on the death of 14-year-old Sunshine Murungi Bethel, a student of Gayaza High School, who reportedly succumbed to malaria. He described the incident as a painful reminder that the disease can affect anyone and called for greater urgency in combating it.
The Deputy Speaker thanked development partners and other stakeholders for supporting the annual walk and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to working with government and partners to eliminate malaria.
He also commended the Speaker of Parliament for supporting initiatives aimed at taking Parliament closer to the people and promoting public engagement on national development issues.
The Annual Parliamentary Malaria Walk forms part of ongoing efforts to mobilise public support for malaria prevention, improve awareness and accelerate Uganda’s progress towards eliminating one of the country’s leading causes of illness and death.
