Health 19 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Fuel Cuts Ground Masaka Hospital Ambulances, Leaving Patients Stranded
Masaka Regional Referral Hospital's ambulances are largely non-operational due to severe funding cuts that slashed fuel allocation from Shs5 million to Shs1 million quarterly. Hospital Executive Director Dr. James Elima told Parliament's Public Accounts Committee that the limited funds also cover generator fuel and other travel, exacerbating service gaps in the Greater Masaka region. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4305/masaka-hospital-ambulances-grounded-due-fuel-cuts
Masaka Regional Referral Hospital is struggling to provide ambulance services after funding cuts by the Ministry of Health. Executive Director Dr. James Elima informed the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on March 19, 2026, that the hospital receives only Shs36 million quarterly for servicing and fueling five ambulances.
Dr. Elima explained that fuel allocation dropped from Shs5 million to Shs1 million, allowing just one or two referrals. These funds also fuel generators and support regional travel, leaving little for emergencies.
The hospital lacks a specialized type-C ambulance for advanced life support and faces staffing shortages, with only 32 midwives handling over 800 monthly deliveries.
MP Hon. Joseph Ssewungu highlighted patient costs, noting he has personally bought Shs500,000 worth of fuel for round trips. Deputy Chairperson Hon. Goreth Namugga criticized charges for emergency transfers, stressing expectations of free services at referral hospitals.
Hon. Richard Wanda questioned the 80% fuel cut’s rationale, while Hon. Elijah Okupa urged review of fuel-guzzling water ambulances, citing one unused for two years due to no fuel.
Source: Parliament of Uganda