Government to Procure 52 New Ambulances to Boost Emergency Services

What the report says

The Ugandan government plans to buy 52 new ambulances in the 2026/27 financial year to improve emergency medical services and referral transport, according to Dokolo Post. The planned fleet, valued at about Ushs 20 billion, would include 50 Type B ambulances and two Type C units, the Ministry of Health said through Dr. Charles Akiya Oyoo, commissioner for non-communicable diseases.

Akiya made the remarks at the third Regional Health Assembly in Lira City, organized by Lira Regional Referral Hospital. He said Uganda had 296 standard ambulances by June 2026, or just over half of what is needed, leaving a shortfall of 254 vehicles that is affecting timely referrals and access to critical care. He also urged stronger cooperation among government, development partners and other stakeholders to close the gap.

The meeting also highlighted wider health-system pressures in the Lango Sub-region, including long waiting times, medicine stock-outs, infection-control weaknesses and concerns about disease burdens such as sickle cell and malaria. Local leaders and health officials called for better funding, ambulance management, accountability and stronger data use. Dokolo Post reported that the assembly ran from September 8 to 9 at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City and brought together health and district leaders from the region.