Occupational health and safety experts have raised concerns over the continued prevalence of workplace accidents and work-related illnesses in Uganda's industrial sector, prompting East African Medical Vitals (EAMV) to strengthen its commitment to employee safety through a company-wide safety pledge.

The pledge was signed by the company's management at the close of its Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) Week 2026 at the EAMV facility in Namanve, Mukono District.

The week-long programme brought together employees, healthcare professionals and safety trainers for a series of practical and educational activities aimed at enhancing workplace safety, emergency preparedness and employee wellbeing.

Activities included fire safety training, first aid demonstrations, emergency response drills, health and hygiene awareness sessions, blood donation drives, cancer screening, Ebola prevention sensitisation, and Hepatitis B testing and vaccination.

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Speaking at the closing ceremony, EAMV Managing Director Brian Kavuya said workplace safety must be embedded in an organisation's culture rather than treated as a periodic activity.

"Safety is more than just an event or the responsibility of a single department. It is a culture that must be embraced by every individual every day, both within and outside EAMV," Kavuya said.

He said the safety pledge underscores the company's commitment to continuous investment in occupational health and safety, describing employee protection as essential to productivity, service delivery and long-term sustainability.

The development comes against a backdrop of persistent workplace safety challenges in Uganda's manufacturing and industrial sectors.

According to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, unsafe working conditions, inadequate safety awareness and weak compliance with occupational safety procedures remain major contributors to workplace injuries and illnesses.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2006, employers are required to provide safe working environments, adequate safety training and measures to minimise workplace hazards.

EAMV said it will continue prioritising employee wellness, accountability and preventive safety measures as part of efforts to build a safer workplace and support sustainable operations.