Minister of Works and Transport Cautions Public on Festival Season Risks
As the Christmas and end-of-year festivities approach, the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, has sounded a warning about the potential for road accidents and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Gen Katumba made this caution while inaugurating the ‘Yambala 4 Me’ nationwide campaign, a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Health, The Aids Support Organisation (TASO), and the Private sector One Dollar Initiative, among others. The primary aim of this 16-day regional outreach campaign is to raise awareness and promote safety against road accidents and HIV/AIDS.
Gen Katumba emphasized that adhering to government-established safety rules and guidelines can significantly reduce or even eliminate road accidents and new HIV infections.
“Why should someone be reminded to put on a helmet while cycling? Or why do we have to fasten our seat belts after seeing a traffic officer? This must change because everyone is fully responsible for his or her life. It is not the mandate of police or traffic officers to take care of our safety,” Gen Katumba stressed on Sunday.
He further underlined the importance of personal responsibility, stating that individuals must take active measures to safeguard their well-being. This responsibility extends to protection against HIV, including the use of condoms, knowing one’s HIV status, and taking other precautionary measures. Gen Katumba highlighted the relevance of this campaign, particularly in the context of the upcoming festive season, and expressed hope that people would embrace its message to protect lives during these critical times.
Dr. Charles Olalo, the director of health services at the Ministry of Health, explained that the campaign seeks to enhance access to information and raise awareness among Ugandans, with a particular focus on the youth, who have higher HIV prevalence levels.
Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that only 46% of females and 44% of males aged 15 to 24 have comprehensive knowledge of HIV. The ‘Yambala 4 Me’ campaign is expected to bridge this knowledge gap, enabling individuals to make more informed decisions about their health.
Ms. Hadijja Namutebi, the Chief Political Commissar (CPC) of Police, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to supporting the outreach teams in all regions. She emphasized that the police’s mandate is to safeguard a healthy and productive population. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has issued directives to regional commanders and District Police Commanders (DPCs) to provide the necessary support to ensure the safety and security of Ugandans.
Mr. Charles Odeng, the national coordinator for the ‘Yambala 4 Me’ campaign, announced that campaign activation teams have been dispatched to the Northern, Eastern, and Western regions. Over the next 16 days, these teams will engage with communities and educate the public on the use of condoms, other HIV preventive measures, and road safety programs. The goal is to promote safer celebrations during the upcoming festive season.
