KAMPALA, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has reintroduced the use of breathalyzers on roads in a bid to curb traffic accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol.
A statement issued by the country's health ministry on Saturday evening said the decision to reintroduce the breathalyzers was taken after analyzing the nature of road accidents.
"Ugandans are the leading alcohol consumers in Africa and many individuals drive under the influence of alcohol," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the use of breathalyzers was suspended in 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19 for fear of spreading the virus in the testing process.
"It is sad to note that since then, Uganda has registered an increase in the number of road traffic accidents with 40 percent being fatal. Accidents due to drunk driving can affect all road users including children, pedestrians and other drivers who are not drunk," the ministry said.
The ministry said the police would be provided with disposable single-usage tubes to be used for each client. "However, the public is strongly advised not to drive after alcohol consumption and to cooperate with the Uganda Police Force."
According to the country's laws, a convicted drunk driver is liable to a fine of up to 1,600 U.S. dollars or a jail term of up to three years.
Uganda registers some 20,000 road accidents nationwide each year, causing more than 2,000 deaths, according to police data. ■