A study by AFREhealth found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of severe outcomes and death compared to non-pregnant women. The research, presented by Prof. Jean Nachega, was conducted in six African countries and involved 1,315 women. It concluded that pregnant women should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. The WHO recommends several vaccines for pregnant women, and health officials in Uganda are urging pregnant women to get vaccinated, countering misinformation about vaccine safety.

Human rights activists in Uganda have praised the Parliament's decision to reject compulsory vaccination, including for COVID-19, in the Public Health Amendment Bill 2021. They advocate for education, sensitization, and informed consent over force. The initial proposal included fines or imprisonment for non-compliance, but was met with backlash for infringing on personal rights. Activists emphasize the importance of addressing misinformation and ensuring the public is well-informed about the benefits of vaccines.

The Ugandan Government is set to launch a policy for the use of injectable antiretrovirals as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection. Health ministry director Dr. Joshua Musinguzi announced the approval of cabotegravir for bi-monthly injections, with guidelines and policy to be approved soon. The policy is based on WHO guidelines and tailored for Uganda. The drug, developed by ViiV Healthcare and used with Janssen's rilpivirine, has been approved in North America and Europe. Activists and researchers, including Charles Brown and Dr. Andrew Mugurusi, emphasize the drug's safety, efficacy, and benefits, especially for women. The injectable is expensive, but donor intervention is expected to facilitate access. The CDC Uganda is considering including HIV injectables in PEPFAR's innovations. Additionally, research on lenacapavir, a six-month injectable, and gene therapy for an HIV cure is underway in Uganda.

Ugandan scientists from Makerere University, supported by the African Union’s High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies, are planning to use gene drive technology to combat malaria in Uganda and other sub-Saharan African countries. The technology involves genetically engineering mosquitoes to reduce or eliminate their ability to spread malaria. Field trials are expected within five to ten years in Uganda, Mali, and Burkina Faso. However, the release of these mosquitoes requires an enabling law for genetically modified organisms, which is pending approval by Uganda's Parliament. The World Health Organisation has certified over 40 countries as malaria-free, and Uganda is aiming to join this list. Dr Monica Musenero, Uganda's minister of science and technology, emphasized the importance of science in development and mentioned ongoing efforts to create an indigenous malaria vaccine. President Yoweri Museveni has previously rejected the GMO Bill twice, citing the need for caution and safeguards.

The article by Sam Wakhakha discusses the environmental impact of the expansion of sugarcane plantations in Mayuge district, Uganda. Arise Africa International is clearing part of Bukaleba forest reserve for this purpose, and the construction of a new sugar mill by Mayuge Sugar Industries has intensified land clearing activities. Both small and large-scale farmers are involved, with some leasing previously forested land for sugarcane cultivation. The district forest officer and environmentalists express concerns over the rapid deforestation and its potential effects on the local ecosystem and climate. Kakira Sugar, another sugar producer in the region, has opposed the new factory, citing policy on exclusive zoning. Despite environmental concerns, local politicians and communities support the project due to its economic benefits, although the long-term environmental costs could be significant.