Ministry of Health condemns misuse of ambulance by driver in Rukungiri District.

27th January, 2022

Our attention  has been drawn  to a photo of an ambulance  registration  number  UG 3797 that is making  rounds  on social media. The Ministry  has taken keen interest  in the matter, investigated  and has established  the following; 

The ambulance vehicle is managed by the Rukungiri District local government. Apparently the vehicle had taken a patient to Ntungamo and on return the driver loaded the pineapples as seen in the picture.

Such behavior is the reason why the government has taken on the centralisation of the ambulance management into a National Ambulance service.

Steps taken:

We have asked the district to take action on the driver as provided in the public service standing orders. The misuse of the ambulance goes against Permanent Secretary guidelines to Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) on proper use of ambulances.

We assure the public and all stakeholders that measures  are being taken to bring the culprits to book and also ensure that this abuse which is not isolated is stopped once and for all.

When the National ambulance service is fully functional with GPS tracking system and call and dispatch communication system, there will be no abuse.

All the ambulance emergency care staff will be centrally controlled and easy to discipline.

Further to this we shall use a medical command and control system where no ambulance takes a journey without authorisation by the Regional EMS coordinator.

We thank the vigilant public that captured this abuse and circulated it. Be assured that disciplinary measures will be taken and you will be informed accordingly.

From Emmanuel  Ainebyoona 

SPRO-MOH