CRISIS RESPONSE: Mukono Leaders Move to Fix Ambulance Fuel Shortages and Driver Housing Deficits in Emergency Health Overhaul

What the report says

Mukono District leaders have held an emergency medical services review meeting at the Chief Administrative Officer’s office to address weaknesses in the district’s ambulance and emergency health system, according to Watchdog Uganda. The gathering brought together district officials, health facility managers, District Health Team members and Ministry of Health representatives as part of efforts to improve crisis response across Mukono.

District LCV Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome urged that public ambulances be fueled consistently and adequately so they can respond quickly when emergencies arise. He also called for tighter control of health resources and stronger accountability in how funds are used to keep vehicles ready for deployment across health sub-districts.

Officials at the meeting identified several operational gaps, including the lack of accommodation for ambulance drivers at deployment stations. Assistant District Health Officer Isaac Ddumba said this can delay night responses, and he asked district leaders to prioritize trained emergency nurses who are not yet absorbed into public service.

The district speaker, Asuman Muwumuza Lubowa, said he would support a proposed EMS ordinance, while advising that it first be examined by the council’s Health Committee. Health secretary Anna Lubuulwa praised partner support, including from the UN and WHO, and said an electronic fleet-monitoring system is helping track ambulances and discourage fuel misuse. The review ended with a commitment to improve coordination, resource use and support for frontline health workers. In general terms, such measures matter because emergency transport is often central to survival in trauma and other urgent cases.