KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has called upon the government to institute mandatory first aid training, particularly for drivers and motorcycle riders, as a crucial strategy to mitigate the escalating number of road accidents linked to alcohol consumption.
Speaking at the launch of the “Eyo Red Card” responsible drinking campaign spearheaded by Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), URCS Secretary General Robert Kwesiga underscored the vital role of first aid knowledge in saving lives and fostering a culture of responsibility and discipline among individuals who consume alcohol.
“This is a skill that everybody needs, but those who need it most are those who are in situations where they are subjected to danger,” Kwesiga stated.
He further proposed extending mandatory first aid training to police officers and members of school communities, emphasizing the broader societal benefit of this skill.
“It should be compulsory for every Ugandan more especially those responsible for managing the public,” he added.
Kwesiga expressed his belief that equipping drivers and riders with essential first aid skills would promote safer behavior before, during, and after alcohol consumption, ultimately contributing to a reduction in road crashes.
His advocacy comes against a backdrop of alarming statistics regarding road traffic accidents in Uganda.
The 2024 Uganda Police Traffic report revealed a 7% increase in road fatalities, with 5,144 deaths recorded in 2024 compared to 4,806 in 2023. Serious injuries also saw a rise of 1.7% to 17,013, while the total number of road crashes increased by 6.4%.
December recorded the highest number of crashes at 2,445, while April had the lowest at 1,863. Worryingly, drink-driving remains a significant contributing factor to these figures.
Commending Uganda Breweries for launching the “Eyo Red Card” campaign, Kwesiga noted its alignment with the Red Cross’s mission to promote road safety and proactive prevention.
“This campaign is not just timely but essential, especially as we head into the Easter period. It complements our efforts in ensuring safer roads,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of preventive initiatives like “Eyo Red Card,” contrasting them with the Red Cross’s more commonly seen role in post-accident response.
“Road safety is not just a government responsibility—it requires the collective efforts of the private sector, civil society, and individual citizens,” Kwesiga emphasized.
Sheila Sabune, UBL’s Corporate Relations Director, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to promoting responsible alcohol consumption.
“At Uganda Breweries, we believe that drinking responsibly is key to having a great time,” she said. “Through the ‘Eyo Red Card’ campaign, we’re reinforcing the message that safety matters. We want more Ugandans to make smart choices—pace themselves, set limits, and above all, never drink and drive.”
Uganda’s high alcohol consumption rates remain a concern. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2018 Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health indicated that Ugandans consume an average of 12.21 liters of pure alcohol per person annually, nearly double the African regional average and significantly higher than the global average.
As of November 2024, Uganda’s Ministry of Health reported that 62.7% of Ugandans consume alcohol, with a significant portion drinking more than three times a week.
