Omukama Edward Rukiidi Nyabongo I has used his first public engagement since his coronation to rally parents and caregivers in Tooro to have their children vaccinated against measles and rubella.

The newly crowned king made his first official public appearance on Thursday at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City, where he launched the Tooro leg of a nationwide five-day vaccination campaign targeting children aged nine months to five years.

Accompanied by Queen Rebecca Amoding, Nyabongo urged parents and caregivers to embrace the campaign and ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated, saying healthy children are vital to healthy families, the kingdom and the country.

The king thanked the Ministry of Health for organising the campaign and pledged that Tooro Kingdom would continue working with the ministry to support similar health programmes in the kingdom.

He also called on the government to consider organising free immunisation campaigns targeting adults.

The five-day campaign began on Thursday and will run until October 5, targeting children aged nine months to five years across the country.

Dr Emmanuel Mugisa, the Fort Portal City Health Officer, said Uganda recorded more than 10,000 measles cases in 2025, resulting in 60 child deaths.

He said 28 districts reported measles outbreaks last year, while more than 20 districts have already reported outbreaks since the beginning of 2026.

According to Mugisa, the outbreaks point to low immunisation coverage and inadequate immunity among children.

He explained that the campaign will provide a booster dose to children aged nine months to five years, including those who have already received measles vaccination through the routine immunisation programme.

Mugisa added that vaccination will be conducted at government health centres and other designated vaccination points, including primary schools, places of worship and villages.

End