The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah, has called upon the Ministry of Health to improve facilities in all hospitals along major highways in the country.
Oulanyah made the call following the bus accident in Kiryandongo where 23 people lost their lives and several others admitted in hospital with serious injuries. The accident happened on Friday, 25 May 2018
“The emergency and intensive care units of Kawolo, Kiryandongo, Masaka and Mbarara hospitals among others should be improved and strengthened to function fully. Airlifting patients to Mulago Hospital is not only expensive but will not necessarily save lives,” Oulanyah said.
Oulanyah advised the Minister of Works to get in touch with other stakeholders in the sector.
“Have a meeting with stakeholders and thereafter, there should be a national roundtable dialogue lasting three days in the course of this year. I am hopeful that at the end of the dialogue, the citizens can say enough is enough and start a new chapter on the use of our roads,” Oulanyah said.
The Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Aggrey Bagiire, explained that the Ministry was looking at amending several laws so as to reduce road accidents.
“In a bid to reduce road carnage in Uganda, the Ministry is currently undertaking to amend the Traffic and Road Safety Act, Cap.351,” Bagiire said.
Bagiire added that the Ministry plans to have installation of speed governors in commercial vehicles, which are equipped with GPS trackers and recorders.
“We also intend to have mandatory inspection of road worthiness and introduction of a Graduated Driving License, which mandates drivers of commercial vehicles to undergo refresher courses and training,” he added
The Chairperson Lango Parliamentary Group, Hon. Felix Okot Ogong (NRM, Dokolo), said that hospitals need revamping in order to be able to handle emergency cases.
Hon Odonga Otto (FDC, Aruu) said that he was disappointed with the lack of patriotism shortly after the accident.
“Minister of Internal Affairs, you need to revisit your patriotism classes because what I saw on Friday was very upsetting. The public was rushing to steal and drink beer and not saving lives of those who were hurt. A police officer at the level of Assistant Superintendent of Police was in the car yet the injured people needed his skills at that moment. What happened to patriotism?” he asked.
Hon. Cecilia Ogwal (FDC, Dokolo), who was representing the Leader of the Opposition, said that government should end reactionary methods of responding to situations.
“Why should the government react to issues after they have happened? The Road Safety Policy was passed four years ago; there is no mention of how the policy is working. What are we doing? When this happens they bring reactionary solutions,” she said.
The House had earlier, observed a moment of silence in honour of the victims of the accident.
