The lack of smartphones among some residents is hampering efforts to promote and use the First Aid Blended Learning application in the greater Kabale area.
Launched in Uganda in August 2025, the First Aid Blended Learning app is a digital platform designed to equip members of the public with essential first aid skills, enabling them to respond promptly to medical emergencies.
The app is promoted by the Belgian Red Cross-Flanders in partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS). It combines online learning through a smartphone with a one-day practical classroom session. Upon completion, participants receive first aid certificates from the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Jimmy Mugasha, the Uganda Red Cross Society Branch Manager in Kabale, says the branch, which covers Kabale, Rukiga and Rubanda districts, has been promoting the app as part of its mandate to train volunteers, Village Health Teams (VHTs) and other members of the public in disease prevention, alerts and emergency response.
According to Mugasha, the app makes first aid training more accessible and practical by using digital technology. He says users can also access the training content without an active internet connection once the application has been installed on a smartphone. Mugasha says the Uganda Red Cross Society has partnered with the Ministry of Education and Sports to promote the app in schools and institutions of higher learning.
However, Mugasha says the lack of smartphones among some residents is undermining efforts to expand access to the programme. He says people who do not own smartphones are unable to access the application because it can only be installed and used on a smartphone, leaving some members of the community unable to benefit from the training.
Alfred Besigensi, the Kabale District Health Educator, describes the First Aid Blended Learning app as a positive innovation that not only provides first aid training but also gives users access to emergency contact options for the police, health authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
Besigensi says the app is particularly useful because it allows users to regularly revise first aid information, helping them retain the knowledge and remain prepared to respond to emergencies. He, however, acknowledges that limited access to smartphones remains a challenge.
Besigensi advises residents without smartphones to use devices belonging to friends, relatives or neighbours to access the application and acquire first aid skills. He says residents can also use the application to raise emergency alerts whenever an emergency occurs-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
