Officials in Tororo District are demanding an investigation into the disappearance of yellow fever vaccination cards, following allegations that some health workers withheld them during a recent mass immunization campaign.
District secretary for health and education, Noah Okumu, called for the probe during a coordination meeting held Thursday at the district chambers. He emphasized the need to establish why many vaccinated individuals, especially students, were not given vaccination cards.
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“There’s no excuse for administering vaccines without issuing cards,” Okumu said. “This isn’t about pointing fingers—it’s a serious act of sabotage against the government’s public health efforts.”
Okumu suggested some health workers may have withheld the cards to sell them, noting their high demand among travelers.
Echoing these concerns, Aidha Kigen, the assistant Resident District Commissioner for West Budama North, revealed her office had received reports indicating that some health workers intentionally held onto the cards.
“Several people reported being told the cards had run out and would be given later,” Kigen said. “Our intelligence suggests deliberate withholding, and those responsible must provide answers.”
She encouraged residents affected by the issue to report to the RDC’s office to assist with investigations.
Meanwhile, acting District Health Officer Sr. Connie Bwire denied any deliberate wrongdoing. She confirmed that both the vaccines and cards supplied were sufficient for the district’s target population of 544,046.
“Our records show the vaccine doses matched the number of cards received. However, there may have been logistical issues at packing centers that led to uneven distribution,” she explained.
Bwire welcomed the concerns and said her office would conduct its own internal review to identify any discrepancies.
“I appreciate the feedback and will look into the matter. I also thank local leaders for their strong mobilization efforts that contributed to our campaign’s success,” she added.
She noted that by the third day of the exercise, the district had already achieved 92% vaccination coverage, with a mop-up operation carried out to reach the remaining population. Bwire also pointed out that resistance in some areas, such as Mella Sub-county, had slightly slowed progress—citing unfounded fears among some men that the vaccine might affect their masculinity.
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