KISORO UGANDA: Tensions have emerged in parts of Kisoro District as some religious groups reportedly resist participation in the ongoing Child Immunisation Health Days of Integration, prompting concern among health authorities.

The Ministry of Health campaign, running from April 1 to 30, 2026, is aimed at increasing immunisation coverage for children aged 0–2 years across the district, with vaccines targeting diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, tetanus, and other preventable illnesses.

However, district health officials say a section of religious communities in areas including Kisoro Municipality, Nyakabande, and Nyabwishenya sub-counties have discouraged followers from presenting children for vaccination, citing internal beliefs and concerns about immunisation.

Kisoro District Health Educator Valentino Mubangizi warned that such resistance could undermine efforts to protect children from deadly but preventable diseases.

He stressed that the immunisation exercise is free and conducted at village and parish levels, with support from Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and Village Health Teams (VHTs).

Mubangizi also noted that the programme includes additional services such as HIV/AIDS testing, screening for persistent cough, and health education sessions on cervical and breast cancer prevention for adolescent girls and women.

He urged parents and guardians to present child health cards issued during previous vaccinations to ensure smooth service delivery. Those who have misplaced the documents, he added, should still bring their children to the nearest outreach centres.

Authorities have warned that continued refusal to allow children to be immunised could attract legal consequences, emphasizing that denying a child access to essential health services is against national law.