Uganda has a deep shortage of yellow fever vaccine, and that is keeping Kirunda and hundreds of soccer fans in the East African nation from attending the World Cup.

The South African mission in Uganda needs yellow fever vaccine certifications before granting visas to the World Cup, and Kirunda and others don’t have them. Yellow fever is a viral infection common in the tropical regions.

“We cannot proceed for our desired once-in-a-lifetime fun because South African High Commission can only grant us visas after proving our safety against yellow fever,” [Sunday] Kirunda told CNN.

Health authorities confirm the shortage of vaccines and have just ordered more.

Anthony Mbonye, Ugandan Health Ministry’s community health commissioner, said such vaccines are “not always in large supply” because they are used by travelers and are available on demand.

But there is more demand now because of potential travelers to the World Cup, he said.

Asked whether any new stocks are expected in the country before the end of the group stages of the World Cup, Mbonye couldn’t provide a time frame,

“We have just placed an order to restock.”

Bob and I will be visiting sites in Rwanda and Ghana where US-funded programs are providing life-saving medicine for HIV/AIDS, putting kids in school, creating desperately needed jobs and giving hope to millions of people. These programs are the direct result of YOUR support. When we get to Africa, Bob and I will be sending you reports on what we’re seeing and how your money and support are working to improve the world.

Also, I’d urge all of you to check in here as much as possible over the next week. Ginny, who runs our blog, has asked some very special guests to provide great content during the Africa trip. I know you’ll enjoy it – and I look forward to writing to you again soon. Thanks for your support – keep it up!

-Taylor Royle