Officials are worried about a sharp rise in malaria cases, especially among children and pregnant women, in Butaleja District. 

The district recorded a total of 196,835 cases and 80 deaths among children in 2022.

Health officials said there was an increase by 60 percent from 13,476 cases in June to 21,629 cases in December 2022, despite efforts to curb the disease, including distribution of free mosquito bed nets.

Last week, the District Health Officer, Dr Siraji Kizito, said seven of every 10 patients in the district test positive for malaria.

Dr Kizito said the most affected sub-counties are Busabi, Budumba, Kachonga and Busolwe. 

The District Health Inspector, Mr Henry Isongoli, attributed the increase in malaria cases to lack of awareness, misuse of bed nets, poverty, and negative attitude towards government programmes such as indoor spraying.