Uganda Red Cross Society with support from the Government of Uganda will today deploy 10 ambulances to support emergency response activities along major highways in Uganda. The selected highways are also considered hot spot areas that are prone to accidents and the ambulances will support emergency evacuations.
While commissioning and handing over the ambulances, the Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda noted the work done by the Uganda Red Cross as part of their mandate as stipulated in the Red Cross Act as an integral part of the deliverables by the office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health.
“The Red Cross delivers on their role through this office and we are happy to handover these ambulances procured with public funds for them to deliver on their mandate of saving lives. The government pledges to continue supporting the work of the Red Cross as they respond to the humanitarian needs of the people of Uganda. This is also in fulfilment of the President’s manifesto of improving road safety for the people of Uganda.” Rugunda said.
Through the annual budget appropriation to Government ministries and departments, the Uganda Red Cross in the year 2019 /2020 received funding worth 9.35bn shillings through the Ministry of Health. Part of this funding was allocated towards construction of a Health Centre III in Bunambutye to support the families relocated from Bududa (on going), while the remaining funds were directed towards procurement of ambulances, Blood Mobilization and relief nonfood item kits to respond to disaster affected families.
The Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng mentioned that the Uganda Red Cross will work closely with the Ministry of Health and support district Health Operations.
“The ambulances services will run in close coordination with the Ministry of Health, the Police rescue and response unit and the Red Cross teams, we will be able to bridge the gap and reduce fatalities that were arising from delayed response due to lack of emergency rescue vehicles and teams.” Aceng said.
“This is a very big boost to the Health sector when it comes to the timely response to accident causalities. More lives will be saved by this additional real time response.” Aceng added.
Uganda Red Cross Secretary General appreciated the Government of Uganda for considering to support the Red Cross in a bid to enable the National Society to deliver on its mandate.
“This is in fulfilment of the Uganda Red Cross’ auxiliary role to Government authorities in providing humanitarian services which include Improving Health, preventing diseases and mitigating human suffering of the most vulnerable people.”
The Communities need these ambulances to help in the quick evacuation of accident victims and other emergency cases than never before. We therefore say Thank you to the Government of Uganda for your support and we pledge to continue serving Ugandans as per our mandate.” Kwesiga added.
Uganda Red Cross will deploy 10 ambulances, with committed staff and trained response and rescue teams to support the ambulance operations.
The ambulances will serve at the following highways;
Kampala (2 at URCS HQTRs), Kampala – Jinja highway, Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale highway, Kampala – Gulu highway, Mbale – Soroti highway, Kampala Hoima highway, Kampala – Fort portal highway, and Kampala – Lira highways.
