By Jamillah Kemigisa
In a major boost to healthcare delivery, the Ministry of Health has officially handed over a new ambulance to Bunyangabu District, aimed at enhancing the district’s emergency response and patient referral system. The vehicle, registered under number plate UG3100188, is strictly designated for transporting living patients, and not intended for the conveyance of deceased individuals.
The handover ceremony took place today, officiated by Dr. Hon. Peace Mutuzo Regis, Woman Member of Parliament for Bunyangabu District and Minister of State for Gender and Culture, who represented the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mutuzo expressed her gratitude for the government’s support, noting that the provision of the ambulance is a timely and much-needed intervention.
“I feel privileged that Bunyangabu has secured an ambulance from the central government. This will help solve the long-standing referral and emergency transport challenges where private vehicles and carrier vans have been used inappropriately,” she said.
She further highlighted the district’s geographical challenges, such as its mountainous terrain and slippery loam soils, which make emergency access particularly difficult.
“This ambulance is timely. It will help reach mothers in remote areas, especially in a district with a youthful population and a high fertility rate,” Dr. Mutuzo added.
She also underscored the region’s vulnerability to infectious diseases, including Ebola and monkeypox, which can be transmitted from neighboring regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this context, the ambulance is expected to play a vital role in ensuring timely and safe transfer of patients during health emergencies.
Hon. Kamukama Davis, Member of Parliament for Bunyangabu District, praised the Ministry of Health’s intervention and emphasized the need for continued development in the district’s healthcare infrastructure. He specifically called for the upgrading of Kibiito Health Centre IV to a fully-fledged district hospital to meet the growing population’s healthcare needs.
Kamukama Nicholas, the Resident District Commissioner, commended the government for addressing the district’s healthcare challenges, a sentiment echoed by Twinomuhwezi Alex, the district vice chairperson, who described the ambulance as a long-awaited solution to persistent emergency response concerns.
While welcoming the donation, Dr. Richard Obet, the District Health Officer, raised concerns about the existing pressure on health facilities.
“Our maternity ward is overwhelmed. Mothers sleep on the floor due to a shortage of beds,” Dr. Obet noted. “We are grateful for the ambulance, but we urgently need to address infrastructure gaps. We also lack a mortuary, and the handling of deceased patients in wards causes significant distress for other patients.”
The donation of the ambulance marks a significant milestone in improving healthcare delivery in Bunyangabu District. However, district leaders and health officials agree that sustained investment in infrastructure, equipment, and staffing is essential to ensure that the ambulance can serve its intended purpose effectively and sustainably.
