Alito, Kole District | July 20, 2025 — Clan leaders in Kole district under their umbrella body, Kole Clan Leaders Association, have embarked on a campaign to advocate for the uptake of the malaria vaccine among communities, following a sensitization workshop organized by the Ministry of Health.
The 23 clan chiefs, who gathered yesterday at Kole Town Council, resolved to spearhead awareness campaigns targeting mothers and parents to embrace the new malaria vaccine, which was recently rolled out by the government to combat the high malaria burden in Uganda.
Speaking to Northern Dailys, Jacob Owani, the association’s chairperson and the clan chief of Ayer Odwakori, said the idea to mobilize their communities came after a knowledge-sharing session with health officials at Lira City Hall.
“After being educated on the benefits of the malaria vaccine, we felt it is our duty to pass this knowledge to our people, so they can understand and accept the vaccine,” Owani said.
The meeting also drew in youth leaders, women representatives, young mothers, and members of neighboring communities, all aimed at creating a ripple effect in spreading accurate information.
Owani noted with concern that vaccine hesitancy remains high in the district, partly due to misinformation and religious beliefs.
“Some people believe the vaccine is harmful or that the government wants to use it to harm them. This is a dangerous mindset and a threat to community progress,” he warned.
He urged the public to trust in government health initiatives, stating that such projects are meant to improve, not harm, the population.
Owani added that their monthly clan meetings, which rotate across sub-counties in Kole, are platforms to tackle broader issues like poverty and underdevelopment.
“Leaders in political, social, and economic sectors must wake up to the real challenges facing Lango and find practical solutions,” he emphasized.
Santos Odero, the Village Health Team (VHT) leader of Amuge Parish in Alito Subcounty, confirmed that vaccine uptake remains low among mothers in the area.
George Ayere, the LC1 of Tekworo B in Western Ward B, where the meeting was hosted, pointed out that poor sensitization is one of the key reasons for slow adoption of government programs. He called on leaders at all levels to bridge the gap through community engagement.
