Dr. Anthony Mbonye, a commissioner for health services in the health ministry, said in a bid to control the high mortality rate due to malaria, a lot of money was spent on procuring malaria drugs.

He noted that such money could have been invested in social services like education. "Malaria is the leading cause of sickness and death among all age groups in Uganda.

But pregnant women and children below five years are at a high risk," Mbonye said.

Mbonye advised that to reduce the high mortality rate due to malaria, people operating drug shops and private clinics must be trained in how to diagnose the disease, since about 80% of Ugandans, visit them whenever they fall sick.

"Most drug shops are manned by heath workers with various qualifications ranging from nursing assistants and clinical officers. They should have the necessary skills to diagnose life threatening diseases, including malaria," he explained.

Uganda is ranked among the six malaria high endemic countries in Africa, according to the World Health Organisation.