Walking together towards a malaria-free Uganda

By James Obua Okwir

National Stakeholder Engagement support Officer, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Target Malaria Uganda

Target Malaria Uganda team at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) joined hundreds of stakeholders at the 2026 Parliamentary Walk Against Malaria, organized by the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Malaria that took place on 26th July 2026 at the Parliament of Uganda. The walk was a way to reaffirm our country’s commitment to end one of the leading public health challenges.

Held under the theme “Walk the Talk: End Malaria Now,” the annual walk brought together Members of Parliament, government officials, researchers, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector and communities, all united by one purpose; to accelerate action against malaria. 

Flagging off the walk, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa called for stronger investment in malaria control, including establishing testing laboratories in school sick bays to improve early diagnosis and treatment among children. His remarks showed the importance of timely detection, access to care, and coordinated action in reducing the burden of malaria. 

As a research partner hosted at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, Target Malaria Uganda believes that defeating malaria will require a combination of proven interventions, strong partnerships and continued scientific innovation. Participating in the walk provided an opportunity to stand alongside partners, engage with stakeholders and demonstrate our shared commitment to a future where malaria no longer threatens lives. 

Alongside the walk, Target Malaria Uganda hosted an exhibition where visitors, including policymakers, researchers, partners and members of the public, learned more about mosquito biology, our research and how scientific innovation can complement existing malaria control efforts. The exhibition provided a valuable platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and engagement with stakeholders. 

Target Malaria Uganda remains committed to partnering with stakeholders and institutions to  support evidence-based solutions that contribute to malaria control and elimination efforts. Together, we can continue building momentum towards a malaria-free Uganda. 

The Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Malaria Champion, delivers his remarks during the Parliamentary Walk Against Malaria.
Target Malaria Uganda staff, led by James Obua, joined H.E. Hugues Chantry, the Belgian Ambassador to Uganda; Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, Minister of State for Public Service; Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Government Chief Whip; and other distinguished leaders during the 5km walk.
The Target Malaria Uganda team engages stakeholders at the Target Malaria–UVRI exhibition tent.
The Target Malaria Uganda team engages development partners at the Target Malaria–UVRI exhibition tent.