MUTU SICKLE CELL INITIATIVE SENSITISES OVER 1,300 LEARNERS ON THE DISEASE

Excited pupils with Acibo (in red), after the sensitization

By Akwero Scovia and Odong Richard

Gulu City

More than 1,300 pupils and staff of Kasubi Army Primary School in Gulu City have received training on sickle cell disease in an awareness campaign aimed at increasing public understanding of the condition and supporting affected children.

The sensitization, held on Friday, July 3, 2026, was organized by Mutu Sickle Cell Initiative Uganda, an organisations led by Acibo Mary Fiona, the Executive Director of the initiative, who was recently elected as Miss Heritage Uganda- Northern Region in the Miss Tourism Uganda Industry.

The campaign focused on educating learners and teachers about the causes, inheritance, prevention, management and the importance of early testing for sickle cell disease.

Pupils and teachers during the sensitization session at the school playground.

Speaking during the event, Acibo said the initiative was established to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding sickle cell disease in Northern Uganda while identifying children living with the condition so they can receive support.

“Many people in Northern Uganda do not know much about sickle cell disease. This is why Mutu Sickle Cell Initiative Uganda has taken the initiative to create awareness and identify children living with sickle cell disease in different schools so that we can render support to them,” she said.

She explained that the organisation provides a range of services to vulnerable children, including free sickle cell testing, counselling and guidance, payment of school fees for some beneficiaries, and provision of essential household items such as sugar and salt.

Acibo interacting with pupils and teachers during the sensitization campaign

Acibo noted that sickle cell disease remains a major public health concern in Northern Uganda.

According to her, about 20 percent of people in Northern Uganda carry the sickle cell trait, significantly higher than the national average of 13.3 percent. She said the high prevalence calls for intensified public awareness, routine screening and community support to reduce the burden of the disease.

“The disease is highly prevalent in Northern Uganda, Eastern and a large part of Central Uganda. This means we need collective efforts to fight it through awareness and testing,” she added.

Kasubi Army Primary School Deputy Headteacher Santo Felix Olanya commended the initiative, saying the training had equipped both learners and teachers with valuable knowledge that will help dispel myths surrounding the disease.

He said the sensitisation explained how sickle cell disease is inherited, how it can be managed and the importance of seeking medical advice and testing.

“The training has changed the mindset of many learners and teachers who attended the sensitisation. We consider it very beneficial and hope the organisation will return for more sessions,” Olanya said.

Deputy Headteacher Santo Felix Olanya speaking during the sensitization

The awareness campaign forms part of Mutu Sickle Cell Initiative Uganda’s broader mission to reduce stigma, promote early diagnosis and improve the quality of life of children living with sickle cell disease across Northern Uganda through education, advocacy and direct support.

The organisation continues to encourage parents and young people to undergo sickle cell screening before marriage and to seek professional counselling to make informed family planning decisions.