Health 29 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Diabetes Leads, Malaria Claims Dozens in Luwero
Luwero district registered 43 deaths from diabetes in the 2025/2026 financial year, making it the leading cause of mortality. Malaria followed closely, with 33 fatalities, disproportionately affecting children under five. Source: https://observer.ug/news/malaria-kills-33-in-luwero-as-diabetes-claims-43
Diabetes mellitus emerged as the primary cause of death in Luwero district during the 2025/2026 financial year, with 43 lives lost. Malaria was the second leading cause, claiming 33 lives, of which 18 were children under the age of five, highlighting the vulnerability of the youngest.
Other significant causes of mortality during the period included Tuberculosis (TB) with 29 deaths and urinary tract infections (UTIs) accounting for 23 fatalities out of a total of 279 registered deaths.
Despite a general decline in malaria deaths over recent years, health officials and local leaders expressed concern over the continued fatalities from a preventable and treatable disease. The district saw malaria deaths decrease from 99 in the 2021/22 financial year to 26 in 2024/25, though it saw a slight increase to 33 in the most recent year.
District Health Officer Dr. Innocent Nkonwa attributed some deaths to delayed healthcare access and patients seeking treatment only when their conditions had severely deteriorated. He noted that chronic illnesses can complicate malaria infections, making timely and accurate diagnosis crucial.
In response, health facilities are implementing a policy to test all patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms. The district is also enhancing community-based interventions, empowering community health workers to test and treat malaria closer to people’s homes in rural areas.
Local leaders are emphasizing community sensitization on malaria prevention, urging residents to consistently use mosquito nets and adopt other protective measures. Efforts are also underway to distribute mosquito nets and educate communities on their correct use and the importance of early treatment to combat the disease.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)