Kampala — The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has equipped MV Kalangala ship with first aid supplies to enable the operators attends to any minor injuries and ailment of passengers on board.

MV Kalangala operates on Lake Victoria from Nakiwogo in Entebbe and docks at Lutokoba in Kalangala.

Through its Kalangala Branch, URCS provided 8 packets of condoms, 14 bandages, five face masks, 1, 000 tablets of panadol, 1, 000 tablets of magnesium, one packet of diclophenac tablets, two rolls of cotton wool, five bottles of disinfectants, two rolls of gauze, four packets of disposable gloves and 1, 000 pieces of plasters.

The supply was made following a request from the ship operators. According to URCS Kalangala Branch, passengers get minor injuries every time they are rushing to board the ship especially when they are not in time.

The injuries are usually cuts or bruises. Some pregnant women from Kalangala have given birth during transit for referral to Entebbe, hence the need for gloves and cotton wool during such incidences.

URCS' Secretary General Michael Richard Nataka says the agency is committed to enhancing road and water transport safety through its first aid and emergency response programmes.

On 13th December, URCS launched a boat engine in Kalangala to strengthen its emergency rescue services on Lake Victoria. The boat has since attended to two cases of drowning.

It will also be used by pregnant women who experience transport challenges when referred to hospitals on the main land. The boat which is free of charge is managed and maintained by the URCS Kalangala branch.