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Dr Charles Olaro the Director of Clinical and curative services together with Works Minister General Katumba Wamala flagging off the Yambala for Me. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
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By Milton Niinga
The Ministry of Health has called for urgent government intervention to reduce the alarming number of road accidents, which it says cost the country a staggering Sh7.5 trillion annually in treating accident victims in hospitals. Recently, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Works and Transport, and the Uganda Police Force reintroduced breathalyzers in a bid to curb road accidents, which are largely attributed to drunk driving and alcohol abuse.
“Road traffic accidents are costing Uganda approximately 6% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), not even accounting for fatalities. Our hospitals are overwhelmed with accident victims, and the cost of treatment is a significant burden on taxpayers,” said Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of Clinical and Curative Services at the Ministry of Health.
Dr Charles Olaro the Director of Clinical and Curative services at the Ministry of Health and the Minister of Works and Transport Gen Katumba at the function. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Dr. Olaro made the remarks during the launch of an awareness campaign titled ‘Yambala for Me’—promoting the use of helmets, face masks, and condoms—organized by Dollar Initiative Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Works and Transport. The event took place on Wednesday at the UMA Showgrounds in Lugogo, Kampala.
“To achieve universal health coverage in Uganda, we need a multi-sectoral approach. That includes wearing helmets while riding motorcycles, using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections, and embracing the use of face masks to combat airborne diseases,” he emphasized.
“Five years ago, we lost 3,600 people to COVID-19. Today, we lose nearly the same number—annually—to road accidents. These statistics should concern every Ugandan, as they reflect our recklessness on public roads,” he added.
Helmet that was used during the campaign (Photo by Milton Niinga)
According to the Annual Crime Report 2024, Uganda recorded a 7% increase in road accident fatalities—from 4,806 deaths in 2023 to 5,144 in 2024.
“Careless overtaking and speeding were the leading causes of road crashes in 2024, accounting for nearly half (44.5%) of all incidents. Out of every 100 accidents, 22 resulted in death, while 61% were caused by reckless driving,” said SCP Ubaldo Bamunoba, Chief Political Commissar of the Uganda Police Force.
Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, defended the state of Uganda’s road network amidst rising accident cases, including the recent crash that claimed the life of Rajiv Ruparelia, son of Kampala businessman Sudhir Ruparelia and a prominent rally driver.
Katumba revealed that a total of 25,107 road accidents have been recorded so far in 2025, resulting in 5,154 deaths.
TB cases surpass HIV/AIDS infections
Dr. Olaro also expressed concern over the increasing cases of Tuberculosis (TB), which he said are now more prevalent than HIV/AIDS.
“Uganda registers over 90,000 new TB cases annually—far exceeding new HIV/AIDS cases. About 32 people die from TB every day,” he said. “We need to identify and treat infected individuals in our communities. That’s why we recommended continued use of face masks even after COVID-19, but the public has become complacent. TB transmission could be significantly reduced if mask-wearing remained common practice.”
Ubaldo Bamunoba, the Chief Political Commissar of the Uganda Police showing shooting skills to demonstrate how to fight killer diseases. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
He attributed the ongoing health crises to limited public knowledge, poor perceptions, and harmful societal behaviors.
Torch Media Africa
