The conclusions of a study named "Responding to emergencies: Ugandan citizens' experiences and opinions on emergency situations and services" are based on data from the Sauti za Wananchi survey, Africa's first nationally representative high-frequency mobile phone poll.
According to a recent study published by Twaweza, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), only 5% of Ugandans expect police to assist them with medical emergencies.
Uganda Police Spokesperson Commissioner Fred Enanga
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The conclusions are based on information gathered from 3,000 Ugandans during September and October 2021.
This suggests that a limited proportion of Ugandans anticipate receiving medical assistance at the spot by contacting general emergency response services.
"A small percentage of Ugandans expect to receive assistance at the scene by calling emergency response services (8%), or the police (5%). Women are more likely to seek aid from onlookers (43% would do so versus 35% who would go to hospital), while men are more likely to seek help from a hospital (43% would go to hospital versus 35% who would seek help from bystanders)," according to the survey.
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"Interestingly, in the Eastern region, people seem to have little faith in the people around them: 1 out of 4 (28%) would seek their help, while 55% would go directly to hospital - higher than in any other region," the report continues.
Violet Alinda, Twaweza's Uganda country lead, says they also discovered that poorer and less educated Ugandans receive poorer emergency medical treatment.
The findings emerge as the Ministry of Health implements rules and recommendations as part of the National Emergency Medical Services Policy.
