Health 10 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Grapples with Ambulance Shortage, Orders 52 New Units
Uganda faces a significant deficit of 254 ambulances despite the government's order for 52 new units to bolster emergency medical services. The move aims to address a critical gap in the national fleet, which currently stands at 296 units. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-faces-254-ambulance-deficit-as-govt-orders-52-new-units-5590404
The Ugandan government is set to acquire 52 new ambulances, including two specialized Type C units, in an effort to strengthen its emergency medical response capabilities. The procurement, valued at Shs20 billion, aims to address a substantial deficit in the nation’s ambulance fleet.
Dr. Charles Akiya Oyoo, Commissioner for Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that 50 Type B ambulances and two advanced Type C ambulances will be purchased during the current financial year (2026/27). Additionally, four Type B ambulances will be obtained through road construction projects.
As of June 2026, Uganda had only 296 standard ambulances, representing just 54 percent of the required national fleet. This leaves a shortfall of 254 vehicles, highlighting a critical need for expanded emergency medical infrastructure.
Dr. Akiya emphasized that a key objective of the health strategy is to reduce road traffic fatalities, which contribute significantly to preventable deaths. He noted that measures such as stricter vehicle inspections, enhanced driver training, and public awareness campaigns on responsible road use are crucial for mitigating these losses.
The health assembly also highlighted other pressing issues, including prolonged patient waiting times, stock-outs of essential medicines, and inconsistent adherence to clinical guidelines. Concerns were also raised about the high prevalence of sickle cell disease in the Lango region, with proposals for data-driven interventions and improved patient tracking.
Furthermore, discussions touched upon issues of drug theft, patient extortion, health worker absenteeism, and infrastructural challenges within health facilities. Political and technical leaders pledged to collaborate to address these systemic problems and improve healthcare delivery across the region. Road traffic accidents were identified as a major cause of casualties in emergency wards, accounting for over 80 percent of cases.
The Third Regional Health Assembly, themed “A Responsive, Sustainable Health System for 10-Fold Growth,” concluded with a call for improved funding, management, and accountability within the health sector.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)