The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has urged the government to make first aid training compulsory, particularly for drivers and motorcycle riders as a strategic move to reduce road accidents linked to alcohol consumption.
Speaking during the launch of the “Eyo Red Card” responsible drinking campaign by Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), URCS secretary general Robert Kwesiga emphasized that first aid training would not only save lives but also instill a sense 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 said.
He proposed that first aid knowledge be made mandatory not only for motorists but also for police officers and members of school communities.
“It should be compulsory for every Ugandan more especially those responsible for managing the public,” he added.
Kwesiga believes that empowering drivers and riders with first aid skills will encourage safer behavior before, during, and after alcohol consumption, ultimately contributing to fewer road crashes.
His call comes amidst a concerning rise in road traffic accidents across Uganda. According to the 2024 Uganda Police Traffic report, road fatalities increased by 7%, with 5,144 deaths recorded in 2024 compared to 4,806 in 2023.
Serious injuries also rose by 1.7% to 17,013, while total road crashes increased by 6.4%. December was the deadliest month with 2,445 crashes, while April saw the lowest with 1,863. Drink-driving remains a major contributor to these alarming statistics.
Commending Uganda Breweries for launching the “Eyo Red Card” campaign, Kwesiga said the initiative aligns with the Red Cross’s mission of promoting 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 acknowledged that while the Uganda Red Cross is often seen responding after road incidents, initiatives like “Eyo Red Card” serve as critical preventive tools.
“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, reiterated the company’s commitment to 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 remains one of the top alcohol-consuming nations globally. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health (2018), Ugandans consume an average of 12.21 litres of pure alcohol per person per year – nearly double the African regional average of 6.3 litres, and significantly higher than the global average of 6.18 litres.
As of November 2024, Uganda’s ministry of Health reported that 62.7% of Ugandans consume alcohol, with many drinking more than three times a week.