Kampala, May 3, 2025 – As Uganda continues its battle against malaria, one of the country’s deadliest diseases, the 3rd Annual Parliamentary Walk Against Malaria is set to take place on May 4, 2025. The event will be spearheaded by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who will serve as Chief Walker.
The walk, organized by the Parliamentary Forum on Malaria, aims to raise public awareness, mobilize resources, and galvanize nationwide support in the fight against malaria. The disease remains a major public health challenge in Uganda, accounting for 30–40% of outpatient visits, 15–20% of hospital admissions, and 10–15% of all hospital deaths. With 95% of the population at risk, malaria transmission remains high throughout the year, particularly during the rainy season.
“Malaria is a monster. It is a major killer of our people,” said Hon. Tayebwa in a recorded video message. “As usual, we expect many of you to join us. Our target is to double last year’s turnout.”
The walk will start and end at the Parliament of Uganda, beginning at 6:00 AM. Participants will engage in various activities, including aerobics, a medical camp, and blood donation drives. The event brings together parliamentarians, government officials, development partners, researchers, private sector stakeholders, social clubs, students, and members of the diaspora.
Despite ongoing interventions such as insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and preventive treatment for pregnant women, Uganda continues to face critical obstacles—among them, limited funding, healthcare access challenges, climate change, and growing resistance to anti-malarial drugs.
A key focus of this year’s event is to raise resources and awareness for malaria prevention in schools. The campaign aims to improve malaria case management in educational institutions and enhance knowledge about the disease among students.
The Annual Parliamentary Walk Against Malaria continues to serve as a powerful call to action—reminding Ugandans that the fight against malaria requires collective effort and sustained commitment.
