Health 29 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Apaa Land Dispute Halts Healthcare, Sparks Measles Outbreak for 100,000
A protracted land conflict in the Apaa region, straddling Adjumani and Amuru districts, has left over 100,000 residents without essential healthcare, leading to a severe measles outbreak and preventable deaths. The dispute prevents the establishment of government health facilities, forcing residents to travel long distances or rely on limited private options. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/apaa-land-conflict-denies-100-000-access-to-healthcare-drives-measles-outbreak-5613378
The ongoing land conflict in the Apaa area, situated on the border of Adjumani and Amuru districts, has created a critical healthcare crisis affecting more than 100,000 people. This prolonged dispute, coupled with the area’s designation within the East Madi Wildlife Reserve, has blocked the construction of essential government infrastructure, including health facilities.
Health officials report that this lack of access has severely impacted child immunization rates, with an estimated 65 percent of children in Apaa having never received any vaccination. This vulnerability led to a measles outbreak in March of this year, according to Adjumani District’s Assistant District Health Officer, Mr. Henry Lulu Leku. Previous health posts in the area were shut down due to conflict, leaving residents with few options.
The nearest public health center, Mungula Health Centre III, is located 30-40 kilometers away, a challenging distance for critically ill patients, especially mothers in labor and sick children. This has resulted in preventable maternal and child deaths.
Geofrey Obulejo, Adjumani District Vice LCV Chairperson, stated that the unresolved territorial status deprives the community of vital government services. Sharon Baru, Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Adjumani, explained that restrictions within the wildlife reserve further complicate efforts to establish permanent health centers. Despite these challenges, she emphasized that the residents’ right to healthcare must be upheld.
Local leadership is engaging in cross-border dialogues and temporary outreach programs. Adjumani officials are appealing to the Ministry of Health for urgent intervention, suggesting the establishment of a health facility outside the reserve, upgrading existing ones, or deploying mobile clinics. They highlighted that outbreaks in Adjumani often originate in Apaa due to critically low immunization coverage.
In response, the Ministry of Health has assured that Adjumani will be a priority during the upcoming nationwide Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign from October 1 to October 6. Residents have been urged to utilize the planned mobile immunization outreach teams. This campaign aims to vaccinate every child across the country, offering a crucial opportunity to address the low coverage in Apaa.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)