The Ministry of Health has approved the immediate reintroduction of a breathalyser machine to test alcohol levels consumed by motorists.

The Director General of Health Services, Dr Henry Mwebesa, said this is a countermeasure against road traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers.

“The Ministry of Health, in liaison with the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Police, and UNRA, have had detailed discussions regarding the use of breathalysers to reduce accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol, among others,” said Dr. Mwebesa.

He noted that this policy had been halted due to COVID-19 in 2020 because the breathalysers would have widely contributed to the spread of the virus in the process.

“Uganda has registered an increase in the number of Road Traffic accidents, with 40% being fatal. Accidents due to drunk driving can affect all road users, including children. pedestrians and other drivers who are not drunk,” he added.

He added that with the help of the police, each road user will use a separate, sealed, and disposable tube to blow through the Breathalyser.

According to a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ugandans are among the leading alcohol consumers in Africa.