Gulu Regional Referral Hospital has intensified preparations in its Emergency Medical Department to ensure a swift and effective response to any incidents that may arise during the January 15 general elections.
The hospital’s Principal Assistant Secretary, Walter Uriek-Wun, said medical staff had recently completed emergency response training aimed at strengthening readiness for election-related emergencies.
He explained that elections often generate heightened emotions among the public, which can lead to chaos, injuries, or road accidents requiring immediate medical attention.
Uriek-Wun noted that the emergency department must remain alert during the election period and emphasized the need for quick response to ensure that injured individuals are removed from danger.
He added that the hospital would manage the election period in the same manner as other high-risk seasons, such as festive periods.
He further observed that excitement and disappointment associated with election outcomes can encourage reckless behavior, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
According to Uriek-Wun, when accidents occur, there is a need for prompt response, evacuation of the injured, and their admission to the emergency department.
He said the hospital has stationed four ambulances on standby and is ready to mobilize additional vehicles from across the Acholi sub-region if required.
Security agencies have also indicated readiness for the polls. Aswa West Police spokesperson David Ongom Mudong said the police were prepared to ensure a peaceful election, although he did not provide details of their operational plans.
Uganda’s general elections on January 15 will involve voting for presidential and parliamentary candidates and are widely regarded as high-stakes, amid concerns over heavy security deployment and the potential for election-related violence.
Last Friday, the Fourth Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, echoed advice from the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, urging voters to leave polling stations immediately after casting their ballots.
While addressing a group of former Lord’s Resistance Army rebels, Gen. Busizoori cautioned residents against being manipulated by politicians to incite violence, warning that those who participate risk personal harm while the instigators remain safe.
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