PAC Grills Mulago Hospital Over Grounded Ambulances and Shs520m Private Security Deal

Mulago National Referral Hospital officials faced tough questions from members of Parliament on the Public Accounts Committee regarding the poor mechanical state of the facility’s ambulances and heavy spending on private security services.

Led by Executive Director Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, the Mulago team appeared before the committee, chaired by Jinja City MP Sarah Lwansasula, to address queries from the Auditor General’s report for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Lawmakers were shocked to learn that the country’s premier referral hospital operates with only four ambulances, all of which are in a state of poor mechanical repair. Legislators argued that this severely compromises the facility’s emergency response capacity and its ability to transport patients needing specialized care.

Dr. Byanyima conceded that the vehicles no longer meet required standards, noting they are currently restricted to internal movements within the hospital premises. However, she assured the committee that funds have been secured to procure two new vehicles.

Aside from the transport crisis, the committee scrutinized Mulago’s decision to shell out Shs520 million annually for private security services, even though police personnel are deployed at the government hospital. Lawmakers questioned the rationale behind what they termed a double expenditure of taxpayers’ money.

Dissatisfied with initial responses, the committee ordered hospital management to surrender the private security contract and full details regarding the firm’s ownership to rule out potential conflict of interest by internal officials.

Additionally, Dr. Byanyima revealed that the hospital struggles with delayed payments from government institutions, including State House, for treating referred patients.

For more details on this parliamentary session, read the original report on Nile Post.