The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kibale District has directed police to take action against members of religious sects who oppose the government’s immunisation campaign and other government programmes.
The directive was issued on Monday 28th September 2026 during a community outreach meeting held at Kyogera Village in Kitutu Parish, Karama Sub-county, where the Deputy RDC urged residents to cooperate with government programmes intended to improve the welfare of communities.
According to the Deputy RDC, security agencies should identify and deal with individuals or groups who deliberately discourage communities from participating in government immunisation activities.
Uganda’s nationwide Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign will take place from October 1 to October 5, 2026.
The official’s directive comes amid continuing efforts by government and health authorities to mobilise parents and communities to participate in immunisation programmes. He urged parents not to allow religious beliefs or other forms of misinformation to prevent children from accessing government-supported health services.
However, any arrests or enforcement measures should be carried out in accordance with the law, with individuals afforded due process and the opportunity to respond to allegations against them.
Warning Against Bribery
The Deputy RDC also directed security personnel to arrest anyone found demanding money from beneficiaries in exchange for access to government programmes or benefits.
He warned residents against paying bribes to individuals claiming to have the authority to determine who receives government assistance.
The official urged members of the public to report cases where officials, programme implementers or other individuals demand money before beneficiaries can access government services or programmes.
The warning follows concerns frequently raised in communities about the accessibility and implementation of government programmes, particularly where citizens may be required to meet certain eligibility or registration requirements.
Residents were encouraged to seek clarification from responsible government offices rather than paying money to intermediaries or individuals who make unauthorised demands.
Parents Urged to Feed School-Going Children
The Deputy RDC also called upon parents to take greater responsibility for the welfare of their school-going children, particularly by ensuring that children have adequate food.
He said parents should recognise that the responsibility for children’s welfare does not rest entirely with schools or government.
He urged parents to make arrangements to provide food for their children so that they can attend school and participate effectively in learning.
The call comes amid broader discussions about school attendance, child welfare and the responsibilities of parents, schools and government in supporting children’s education.
Residents Encouraged to Form Groups
Kamagara further encouraged residents seeking to benefit from government programmes to organise themselves into groups.
He said organised groups can make it easier for communities to participate in government initiatives and access programmes designed to improve household incomes and livelihoods.
He encouraged residents to work together, establish functional groups and meet the requirements of government programmes instead of waiting for individual interventions.
Call for Cooperation
He encouraged residents to ask questions where they do not understand a programme and to report suspected corruption, bribery or abuse of office through the appropriate authorities.
The meeting provided an opportunity for residents to raise concerns and receive information about government programmes, while the Deputy RDC used the occasion to emphasise the importance of community participation.