The Uganda Insurers Association (UIA) and Uganda Red Cross Society recently launched the “Saving Life” campaign, a joint venture aimed at educating the public on proper road usage to mitigate the rising cases of accidents. At the handover ceremony in Kampala, UIA Chief Executive Officer Jonan Kisakye emphasized the partnership’s commitment to purchasing an ambulance to support the Red Cross operations, contributing to the overall goal of saving lives.
CEO Jonan Kisakye expressed the insurance industry’s satisfaction in collaborating with impactful organizations like the Red Cross. He highlighted the need for public awareness given the government’s substantial investment in road infrastructure, which, unfortunately, has resulted in some roads becoming hazardous for careless motorists. The Saving Life Campaign, according to Kisakye, is a step towards giving back to the community and creating awareness about road safety.
As the festive season approaches, CEO Kisakye urged motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads. He emphasized the timely nature of the campaign, especially considering the increased travel during the festive season, which has historically seen a spike in road accidents and fatalities.
In addition to the educational aspect of the campaign, UIA handed over a cheque of sh100 million to the Uganda Red Cross Secretary General. The funds will not only contribute to the ambulance purchase but also support the overall operations of the Red Cross in responding to emergencies.
Robert Kwesiga, the Secretary General of Uganda Red Cross Society, acknowledged the significant challenge they face daily due to the escalating number of road accidents. He commended UIA and the insurance sector for leading the Save Life Campaign, emphasizing its dual objective of reducing accidents and strengthening emergency response capabilities. Kwesiga noted the importance of spreading the road safety message widely and expressed gratitude for the sh100 million, considering it a valuable Christmas gift.
The collaboration between UIA and Uganda Red Cross Society involves insurance companies working closely with the Red Cross to extend the road safety message. This partnership aims to make a positive impact on society by addressing road safety concerns, as road traffic injuries rank as the eighth leading cause of death globally and the leading cause of death for people aged 5—29 years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
