Uganda’s free vaccines key to protecting babies and high-risk groups

What the report says

Dr Kintu Faisal Mwoko, a medical doctor and proprietor of Bamukembo Specialist Medical Center, has called on parents in Uganda to make sure children receive routine vaccinations on schedule. His remarks, reported by Nile Post, framed immunisation as a key public health measure for protecting babies and other vulnerable groups.

According to the report, Uganda’s immunisation programme offers routine vaccines free of charge at government health facilities. Dr Faisal praised the Ministry of Health for supporting vaccination efforts and commended parents who take children for the recommended doses. He made the comments during an appearance on Salam TV’s Obulamu programme, hosted by Mariam Busingye.

He specifically advised that newborns receive the recommended birth vaccines before leaving hospital, including protection against tuberculosis, polio and hepatitis B. He also encouraged hesitant parents to seek accurate information, noting that children may experience some reactions after vaccination and should be taken for medical advice if symptoms are concerning.

The report said Dr Faisal also warned against using or obtaining fake immunisation cards and stressed the importance of keeping accurate vaccination records. More broadly, public health experts often say routine childhood immunisation reduces the risk of serious disease and helps protect communities, but the article focused on reinforcing Uganda’s existing free-vaccine system and parental compliance.