Health implications of small arms and light weapons in eastern Uganda

Abstract

Injuries due to small arms and light weapons (SALW) are common in developing countries with ongoing collective violence, or those that exist in a post-conflict state. Uganda has a long history of armed conflict, but little quantitative evidence is available about the extent of the problem of SALW. We performed a review of all injuries due to SALW at Mbale Regional Hospital in eastern Uganda for the six-year period 1998–2003. Using a standardised questionnaire, we recorded information from over 200 cases concerning the characteristics of the victim, the incident, the weapon used and the care received. The majority involved males and occurred in the context of conflict within tribal communities, or armed robberies throughout the region. Each injury is of significant cost to the healthcare system and to the victim. Prevention, through limiting the availability of the ‘vector’ of disease (SALW), is a key part of the solution to this problem.

Keywords:

• Health effects
• Peace through health
• Small arms and light weapons
• Uganda

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for assistance from many physicians, administrators and clerical staff at Mbale regional hospital. Valuable input was received from Drs. Edison Mworozi, Sam Luboga, Joanna Santa Barbara, Neil Arya, Alex Mihailovic, Emperatriz Crespin and Sheila Harms, as well as Debbie Grisdale, Monica Hau and Sonia ter Kuile. This study was funded by the Medical Alumni Association of the University of Toronto, Physicians for Global Survival (Canada) and International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.