By KT Reporter
Kitgum District Local Government has received two Class B Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulances from the Government of Uganda, with support from the Indian government, to improve emergency healthcare delivery across the region. The ambulances, facilitated through the lobbying efforts of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem, are part of a broader initiative to strengthen Uganda’s emergency medical response system.
Dr. Henry Okello Otto, the Kitgum District Health Officer, described the new ambulances as mobile Health Centre IIs—fully equipped with essential emergency care tools that allow health workers to provide critical care while transporting patients to referral hospitals. According to Dr. Okello, one ambulance will be stationed at Orom Health Centre III to serve the greater Orom area, while the other will operate out of Omiya Anyima Health Centre III.
He emphasized that the deployment of the ambulances is expected to significantly enhance emergency response and patient outcomes across the district. “These vehicles will enable timely and effective care during transit, potentially saving countless lives,” said Dr. Okello. Kitgum District currently hosts 35 health facilities, including 22 government-aided and 13 private ones. The addition of the two ambulances is anticipated to play a pivotal role in bridging the long-standing gap in emergency medical services.
Dr. Okello noted that the ambulances will not only improve local emergency responses but also ease pressure on Kitgum General Hospital, which has been the sole provider of ambulance services—responding to emergencies from neighbouring districts such as Lamwo, Pader, Agago, and Karenga.
Minister Oryem expressed his motivation for lobbying for the ambulances, citing the dire need for accessible and timely health services, particularly in Chua East County, where residents have long struggled to reach medical care. “I was inspired to lobby for these ambulances to help our medical teams respond quickly to emergencies, especially in hard-to-reach areas like Chua East,” said Minister Oryem-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
