NTUNGAMO – The Deputy RDC Ntungamo, Atuhaire Rosemary, has warned the public against misuse of government-distributed mosquito nets for non-medical purposes, including fishing and fencing gardens.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ms. Atuhaire sounded the warning on Thursday, 7th May 2026, while receiving a consignment of 335,050 treated mosquito nets from the central government.
The treated nets, part of a nationwide malaria prevention campaign, are designed to create a protective barrier against malaria-transmitting mosquitoes while people sleep.
The Deputy RDC noted that security will not hesitate to arrest individuals found misusing the mosquito nets for legal action.
“We have received these nets at a great cost to the taxpayer and our development partners. It is disheartening to see some individuals diverting them for fishing or fencing off their vegetable gardens. Let me be clear: security agencies will not hesitate to arrest anyone found misusing these nets. They will face legal action,” said Ms. Atuhaire.
Dr. Bahati Amon, the Ntungamo District Health Officer (DHO), called upon parish chiefs and Village Health Teams (VHTs) to immediately mobilize communities and organize the necessary logistics to facilitate smooth distribution at the parish and village levels.
“We need a coordinated effort to ensure these nets reach the intended beneficiaries. Parish chiefs and VHTs are the backbone of this distribution. They must work with local leaders to ensure every household gets their nets and understands how to use them properly,” Dr. Amon said.
Representing the District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. Deus Byaruhanga urged all residents to use the mosquito nets strictly for their intended purpose of protecting families from mosquito bites that transmit malaria.
“These nets save lives. Every net used for fishing is a life needlessly exposed to malaria. I appeal to the people of Ntungamo to embrace this intervention with the seriousness it deserves,” Mr. Byaruhanga said.
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of sickness and death in Uganda, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.
The mosquito net distribution is part of a massive national campaign by the Government of Uganda. According to the Ministry of Health, a total of 4.8 million mosquito nets will be distributed, targeting more than 8.1 million people across 32 districts.
The beneficiary districts include Agago, Amuru, Gulu, and Ntungamo, among others. The exercise is being implemented with support from global health partners including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
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