By Our Reporter
The Ministry of Health has handed over a new ambulance to Bunyangabu District in a move expected to strengthen the district’s emergency response and patient referral system. The ambulance, bearing the number plate UG3100188, is strictly designated for the transportation of living patients only — not for carrying dead bodies.
The ambulance was officially handed over today by Dr. Hon. Peace Mutuzo Regis, the Woman Member of Parliament for Bunyangabu District and the Minister of State for Gender and Culture, who represented the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
“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,” said Dr. Mutuzo.
She emphasized that the district, characterized by mountainous terrain and slippery loam soils, has been particularly difficult to access during emergencies. “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,” she added.
Dr. Mutuzo also pointed out the region’s vulnerability to communicable diseases such as Ebola and monkeypox, often transmitted from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, stressing that the new ambulance will be critical in safe and timely patient transfers.
Hon. Kamukama Davis, Member of Parliament for Bunyangabu District, praised the government’s support and said the next step is advocating for the elevation of Kibiito Health Centre IV to a fully-fledged district hospital to meet the growing health demands.
Kamukama Nicholas, the Resident District Commissioner, lauded the ruling government for responding to the healthcare needs of the people. His sentiments were echoed by Twinomuhwezi Alex, the district’s vice chairperson, who described the ambulance as a long-awaited answer to the district council’s emergency response concerns.
Dr. Richard Obet, the District Health Officer, welcomed the development but warned that the increased patient referrals could strain already overstretched health facilities.
“Our maternity ward is overwhelmed. Mothers sleep on the floor due to a shortage of beds,” he said. “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.”
While the new ambulance marks a significant milestone in Bunyangabu’s health sector, leaders and health officials agree that it must be complemented by upgrades in infrastructure and capacity to fully serve the district’s growing needs.
