High Costs Ground Uganda's Vital Water Ambulances in Island Districts

Water ambulances deployed across Uganda’s lake districts have transformed emergency medical responses, cutting perilous journeys from hours to minutes for patients, especially pregnant women. Yet, districts like Namayingo and Obongi report severe challenges in keeping these boats running due to exorbitant fuel needs and repair costs.

A total of 14 such vessels were handed out to areas including Jinja, Amolatar, Kalangala, and others, managed jointly by the Uganda People’s Defence Force, police, local authorities, and the Ministry of Water and Environment. Each boat carries a navigator, coxswain, and paramedic, strictly for medical emergencies.

In Namayingo, Acting District Health Officer Matayasi Mageni notes the ambulance slashes travel from four to six hours to just 24-30 minutes across 13 islands housing a quarter of the population. Still, it guzzles 600 liters of fuel per major trip and sits idle without it, with quarterly vouchers covering only one outing amid vast distances.

Obongi faces a different plight: its boat has been sidelined since last year after a hippo collision, hampering referrals for locals and Nile-side refugees from Adjumani. Dr. Joseph Arike urges swift repairs, complementing land ambulances despite fuel shortages.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona confirms awareness of the issues, pointing to extra fuel card allocations and upcoming budget boosts for the next financial year.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)