Report spotlights critical gaps in Uganda's emergency response
The report by Seed Global Health in partnership with the health ministry pointed to a 50 percent reduction in emergency-related deaths over the two decades.
An emergency medical officer demonstrating how its given to a patient. (Photos by John Musenze)
By John Musenze
Journalists @New Vision
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For the first time ever, Uganda has marked World Emergency Medicine Day, using the occasion to spotlight achievements in emergency care and confront the glaring gaps that continue to cost lives, particularly in trauma response.
The day is observed annually on May 27, with a goal of raising awareness about the importance of emergency medical services and the professionals who provide them.
Tuesday's commemoration at Millennium Park (former KCCA Grounds) in Kampala featured the launch of a comprehensive report highlighting a five-year assessment across 33 districts and 74 health facilities in Uganda.
The report by Seed Global Health in partnership with the health ministry pointed to a 50 percent reduction in emergency-related deaths over the two decades.
However, the same report also reveals troubling shortcomings in Uganda’s capacity to handle emergencies like trauma, which leads among the emergencies in the country.
“We are proud of the progress made, but we cannot celebrate without acknowledging the critical gaps,” said Irene Atuhairwe, the Country Director of Seed Global Health.
State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties, Hon. Hanifa Kawooya, officiated the launch of the report.
“Trauma accounts for nearly 70 percent of all emergencies. Many of these injuries are entirely preventable, yet people are dying because we are not prepared.”
One such case is that of Moses Osillo, a boda boda rider who was knocked down by a drunk driver in April 2024. Although he was wearing a helmet at the time, the impact left him with shattered bones in his pelvis and arm, requiring metal implants.
“I blacked out after the crash. I was saved because help arrived in time,” said Osillo.
“But I can no longer provide for my family. My children are not in school. We need better systems to help people like me recover.”
According to the Uganda Police, there were 25,107 road crashes in 2024 alone, underscoring the growing burden of trauma-related emergencies.
'Delays can be deadly'
The report by Seed Global Health shows that most emergency units in the country are ill-equipped. Only a handful of general hospitals have dedicated emergency departments.
Health centre IVs, which serve large rural populations, lack separate spaces for adult and paediatric emergencies. In many cases, patients are treated in open corridors or basic outpatient rooms lacking oxygen, monitoring devices, or ultrasound machines.
“It is unacceptable that even at Mulago National Referral Hospital, patients with head injuries are referred elsewhere for CT scans,” said Dr Herbert Luswata, the president of the Uganda Medical Association.
“Head trauma needs urgent imaging. Delays can be deadly.”
Training gaps are another major concern. While over 50 percent of health centre IVs had some form of medical personnel, only a fraction were trained in emergency care. Just 33.3 percent had received Basic Emergency Care instruction.
“Upcountry facilities are manned by health workers doing their best, but many have never been trained in life-saving interventions,” said Atuhairwe.
State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties, Hon. Hanifa Kawooya speaking as Dr. Herbert Luswata looks on.
“This is something we can and must fix.”
The report also highlights weaknesses in ambulance services.
Although the government has increased its fleet of Type C ambulances — vehicles equipped with lifesaving equipment — most rural areas still rely on Type A ambulances, which are vans with no oxygen or monitoring systems.
“You cannot stabilize a patient in transit without proper equipment,” said Luswata. “Sadly, many ambulances are donated by MPs and not properly maintained. That has to change.”
Essential emergency drugs were found to be chronically out of stock.
Norepinephrine, a critical drug for managing shock, was unavailable in 75 percent of facilities for an average of 96 days. ICU medications such as nalbuphine and methadone were also missing, largely due to logistical inefficiencies and underfunding.
'Everyone must be involved'
Health state minister (general duties) Hanifa Kawooya, who officiated at the launch, said emergency care "should not be a luxury for those in urban centres".
“We must train first responders, especially boda boda riders and police, because they are often the first to reach accident victims," she said.
The minister confirmed that the government has upgraded many ambulances to the WHO-recommended Type C category and pledged continued investment in training and supplies.
However, she called for a stronger multi-sectoral approach to prevention and response.
“With over 14 road crashes reported daily, emergency care cannot be the responsibility of the health ministry alone. We need transport authorities, law enforcement, and community leaders all involved," said Kawooya.