Masika’s Story and Uganda’s Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance

This article was exclusively written for European Sting by Mr. Bwambale Isaac, a Ugandan medical student at Kampala International University. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

In the heart of western Uganda’s Kasese District, Masika, a mother of three, keeps a small box of antibiotics tucked away in her cupboard. For her, these medicines are essential household items used for fevers, coughs, headaches or “just in case someone falls sick.” Like many families across Uganda, she has little awareness that this routine habit could be fueling one of the most urgent global health threats of our time: Antibiotic Resistance (AMR).

Antibiotics have saved countless lives, but when misused, they lose their power. In Uganda, self-medication and incomplete antibiotic courses are widespread. Pharmacies and drug shops often sell antibiotics without prescription, and many people stop taking their medication once they feel better. This misuse allows bacteria to evolve, making common infections harder and sometimes impossible to treat.

Masika’s story reflects a national reality. According to research by the Ministry of Health and Makerere University, over 40% of antibiotic use in Uganda is inappropriate. Hospitals are now encountering infections that no longer respond to drugs like amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin, once considered reliable first-line treatments. The burden falls heaviest on children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic illnesses.

But the problem doesn’t STOP at the clinic. Human waste containing antibiotic residues often enters rivers and streams, especially in regions with poor sanitation. In Kasese, where water from the Rwenzori slopes feeds Lake George, resistant bacteria travel silently through the environment, linking homes, health facilities, and ecosystems in one continuous chain of transmission.

To address this, Uganda has implemented the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2018–2023), promoting surveillance, awareness, and stewardship of antibiotics. Progress has been made through public campaigns, training of health workers, and tighter regulation of drug distribution. Yet, gaps remain particularly in rural areas where limited access to healthcare and economic hardship make self-medication the easier option.

The “One Health” approach offers the holistic solution Uganda needs. It recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are deeply interconnected. Combating AMR requires a unified effort from doctors prescribing responsibly, pharmacists enforcing regulations, communities improving hygiene, and policymakers ensuring safe waste management.

Young people are playing a vital role in this fight. The Federation of Uganda Medical Students’ Associations (FUMSA), through its local chapters, has championed awareness drives in universities, schools, and communities. These campaigns highlight responsible antibiotic use and emphasize prevention through vaccination, hygiene, and education.

As Uganda joins the world in marking World in fighting AGAINST Antimicrobial Resistance, Masika’s story stands as a reminder that the battle against AMR begins at home. Every tablet taken responsibly, every prescription completed, and every community educated brings us one step closer to preserving antibiotics for the next generation.In the spirit of “One Health, One Fight,” Uganda’s story echoes a global truth: The health of people, animals, and our planet depends on how wisely we use the medicines that once changed the world.

About the author

Bwambale Isaac is a Ugandan medical student at Kampala International University and the Public Relations Officer of AMS-KIU and 21^st IFMSA African Regional Meeting 2025 Organizing committee. He is a Millennium Fellow (Class of 2025) and Peer Educator with the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), where he leads initiatives on health, hygiene, and gender equality. As an active member of FUMSA, he promotes youth engagement in public health and One Health advocacy. Guided by his core values of Integrity, Stewardship, Accountability, Achievement, and Collaboration, Isaac is committed to building equitable and sustainable health systems in Africa.