Yesterday morning, a tragic accident occurred on the Kampala-Entebbe highway, resulting in the death of a lawyer named Raphael Okiot, 34 years old. The accident involved a cement mixer truck losing control and falling onto Mr. Okiot’s car at the Nkumba Traffic Lights junction. The Shadow Minister for Works and Transport, Mr. Francis Mwijukye, has called on the police to improve their response to such emergencies, emphasizing the need for prompt assistance in such situations.
The preliminary report indicates that the accident involved three vehicles traveling in the same direction towards Entebbe from Kampala. The cement mixer truck, with registration number UAN 836B, lost control while approaching the traffic lights, causing it to veer off course and collide with other vehicles. Tragically, Mr. Okiot lost his life in the incident.
Mr. Mwijukye expressed concern over the delayed response from emergency services, attributing it to the swarming of onlookers at the scene. He criticized the apparent prioritization of political events over emergency situations by the authorities. The Opposition MP urged the government to allocate more resources towards acquiring equipment for swift rescue and recovery operations in emergencies on land, water, and in the air.
While the police were unavailable for comment at the time of writing, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, assured the public of the country’s readiness to handle emergency cases. He mentioned the existence of trained teams and emergency ambulances stationed along highways, although he acknowledged the possibility of insufficient resources.
According to the 2021 National Emergency Medical Services Policy, the government recognizes the importance of establishing a functional and integrated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system in Uganda. The policy aims to prioritize initial resuscitation, stabilization, and treatment of acutely ill and injured patients, ultimately reducing mortality rates. Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng highlighted the significance of emergency care in achieving Universal Health Coverage, stressing the need for a multi-disciplinary approach.
Globally, emergency care plays a crucial role in reducing preventable deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries where injury-related fatalities are prevalent. Strengthening emergency care services has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives annually.
In Uganda, road accidents remain a significant cause of concern, with speeding, careless overtaking, and distractions like mobile phone usage being among the leading causes. The Uganda Police Force emphasizes the importance of adhering to speed limits, exercising caution when overtaking, and promptly reporting road obstructions or emergencies to ensure road safety.
