BY; ROSE KASIGWA

The people who have had their legs or hands cut off as a result of road accidents (amputees) under their umbrella organization, The Amputee Self-Help Network Uganda (ASNU), have appealed to the government to enhance policies and regulations that strengthen and support accident survivors, highlighting the need to establish rescue and emergency point areas to save casualties.

The association that is dedicated to supporting individuals who have experienced physical disabilities due to road accidents, held a press conference at the Ruch hotel in Kampala to draw urgent attention to road safety in Uganda in response to recent tragic accidents including the accident in Kiryandongo, where over 40 people perished. The Co-founder of the Amputee Self-Help Network Uganda (ASNU) Charlotte Kangume, together with another survivor Joseph Asaba pointed out the challenges they face, including costly hospital bills as well as employment imbalances that leave them incapacitated and excluded from the workforce long after surviving accidents

Kangume identified the root causes of road accidents as over speeding, poor roads calling for greater drivers discipline, safer road infrastructure, and intelligent automated enforcement to prevent future tragedies.

The recent reports indicate that 14 people die daily rising Annual Death Toll: From 4,159 in 2022 to 5,144 in 2024 – an 80.2%.