Kawempe division becomes epicenter as mpox cases rise in Kampala

Kampala is seeing an alarming rise in Mpox cases, with Kawempe division reporting the highest concentration of infections. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is leading the charge, mobilizing resources to tackle the spread in one of the city’s most vulnerable communities.

But with over half of the city’s 96 confirmed cases coming from Kawempe, and infections spreading across Wakiso and Mukono, the battle to contain the disease has become a city-wide effort that is testing public health preparedness.

“Mpox is spreading rapidly in communities where social contact is frequent and spaces are shared, particularly in high-density neighborhoods,” explains Dr. Sarah Zalwango, Acting Director of Public Health at KCCA. “For communities like Kawempe, the risk factors are higher because of its population density and the nature of its social economy.”

The divisions of Kampala affected by Mpox include Lubaga, with 13 cases; Nakawa with 8; the central area with 11; and Makindye with 9 cases, while metropolitan districts have also seen cases, with 33 in Wakiso and six in Mukono. However, Kawempe stands out with its 56 cases, making it a focal point for the KCCA’s coordinated response.

Health officials have identified several high-risk groups within these divisions, including Boda Boda riders, market vendors, commercial sex workers, and timber dealers. These professions involve constant close interactions with the public, increasing the likelihood of infection. Richard Walyomu, KCCA’s incident commander for Mpox, highlights the unique challenges in controlling transmission in these sectors.

“Our data indicates that these are the groups experiencing the highest transmission rates, and within these, individuals with weakened immunity, such as those who are HIV-positive, are especially vulnerable,” he explains.

The KCCA has launched a response strategy aimed at curbing the disease’s spread in these vulnerable populations. Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) have been appointed as heads of Mpox task forces in each division, collaborating with religious leaders and health specialists to increase public awareness. Additionally, over 200 Village Health Team (VHT) members have been mobilized, trained, and deployed across each division to work with communities and provide timely, accurate information about the disease.

The impact of the Mpox outbreak has not gone unnoticed by residents, many of whom are now on high alert. In Kawempe, Boda Boda riders like John Nsubuga are feeling the impact in their daily routines. “We’re constantly around people, and now every interaction feels risky. I’m starting to worry about taking passengers,” says Nsubuga.

Others in similar professions, such as market vendor Miriam Kamya, echo these sentiments but feel that community outreach is still insufficient. “We’ve heard about Mpox from the health teams, but they need to come into the market more often and provide materials in our languages. Right now, it still feels far off for many of us,” she says.

In response to these concerns, KCCA has intensified its efforts to bridge information gaps. According to Dr. Zalwango, health officials are engaging students in schools and have begun distributing leaflets and posters in marketplaces, bus stations, and other crowded spaces. “Education is our first line of defense,” Dr. Zalwango says.

“We’re teaching students in schools about Mpox transmission and prevention, and we’ve also trained focal persons and lab technicians to identify and handle suspected cases more effectively.”

However, Dr. Zalwango acknowledges that these efforts face challenges, particularly with limited resources. “Our educational efforts rely on leaflets, a few radio spots, and word-of-mouth from health workers. We need more media engagement and support to ensure we reach all residents,” she adds. While KCCA is actively partnering with local radio stations to spread awareness, they still struggle with the outreach needed in hard-to-reach communities.

The disease is also affecting the livelihoods of those infected. Market vendor Grace Namakula, who recently recovered from Mpox, recounts the stigma she faced: “When I came back to work, some people refused to come near me, thinking I would infect them. It’s isolating, especially when there is so much misinformation.”

Health officials emphasize that Mpox is preventable with proper hygiene and reduced close contact. The virus primarily spreads through close, skin-to-skin contact or shared items such as clothing or bedding. However, with the limited access to public health resources, the spread has become harder to manage, particularly among groups with frequent close contact.

In the face of these challenges, KCCA and local healthcare providers are committed to making progress. Walyomu mentions that KCCA’s efforts are now focused on “building public trust and countering misinformation,” as they partner with local leaders and community groups to dispel myths and provide clear, factual information.

The Mpox outbreak in Kampala highlights not only the urgency of disease containment but also the complexities faced by urban public health systems. With cases spreading across divisions and vulnerable communities still at risk, KCCA’s efforts underscore the importance of timely, targeted responses to protect the health and well-being of Kampala’s residents.