Mukono road safety initiative boosted with two ambulances

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The health ministry, in partnership with UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO), has flagged off two fully equipped Type B ambulances to strengthen emergency medical services in Mukono North and Mukono South counties.

The donation, funded through the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF), was on October 31, 2025, officially handed over to Mukono District Local Government officials at the ministry headquarters in Kampala.

The ambulances are part of a two-year pilot project titled “Strengthening Emergency Medical Services for Effective Post-Crash Care in Uganda”, designed to improve road safety, reduce fatalities, and enhance post-crash response across the country.

Dr Daniel Kyabayinza, who represented the ministry permanent secretary, Dr Diana Atwine, commended UNICEF for its unwavering support in strengthening Uganda’s health system.

“These ambulances come at a time when Mukono district, located along the busy Kampala–Jinja highway, faces a high burden of road traffic accidents,” he said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic showed us the importance of having well-equipped, standardised emergency systems with trained responders, reliable communication and functional ambulances ready to save lives.”

Kyabayinza explained that each Type B ambulance meets national standards and is fitted with emergency medical equipment for basic life support.

He noted that the health ministry Emergency Medical Services (EMS) policy requires at least one such ambulance per 100,000 people or per county

“Ambulance coverage in Uganda has grown from just 2% in 2021 to 54% by the 2024/25 financial year. Mukono’s inclusion brings us closer to achieving full national coverage,” he said.

National emergency line

He further revealed that by December 2025, the 912 national emergency line will be operational, allowing the public to call for ambulances anywhere in Uganda.

Kyabayinza urged the chief administrative officer (CAO) and district health officer (DHO) of Mukono to ensure proper management and staffing of the ambulances with trained drivers and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

He emphasised that the vehicles will be used for community emergencies, hospital transfers and disaster response under the supervision of the Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, the regional ambulance hub.

Mukono Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hajat Fatumah Ndisaba Nabitaka thanked the ministry, UNICEF, WHO and other partners for their continued support to the district.

“We are truly grateful for this timely intervention. UNICEF’s support has been vital from immunisation and education to community empowerment. These ambulances will help reduce congestion at Mukono General Hospital and improve response to road crashes,” Hajat Ndisaba said.

She noted that Mukono, with more than 620 industries and a rapidly growing urban population, records thousands of injuries annually, with over 25 to 32 mothers delivering daily at Mukono General Hospital.

“Despite infrastructure improvements, the hospital remains overstretched. We appeal for continued support to upgrade Goma and Katogo health centres and increase staffing to match the district’s growing healthcare demands,” he added.

Strengthening health systems

UNICEF deputy representative to Uganda Thomas Meyerer reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s emergency health systems and road safety response.

“Road traffic injuries are now the leading cause of death among young people aged 5 to 19 in Uganda. In 2024 alone, over 25,800 people were injured in road crashes, with more than 5,000 deaths, a 7% increase from the previous year. Mukono, situated along major highways, remains one of the most affected districts,” Meyerer said.

He explained that under the ongoing pilot project, UNICEF and partners have already trained 40 health workers in basic emergency care and over 1,000 community first responders, including bodaboda riders, teachers, police officers, and Village Health Teams (VHTs)  to improve immediate care at crash scenes.

UNICEF has also revitalised six trauma centres across Mukono’s hospitals and health centres, and procured over 800 first aid kits for use by community responders.

“These two ambulances, dedicated to Mukono North and Mukono South counties, will greatly improve referral systems and emergency response times, UNICEF remains committed to working with the Ministry of Health and local governments to ensure no life is lost because help came too late," Meyer said.

He urged the district leadership to ensure the ambulances are well-maintained, integrated into the District Emergency Medical Services Coordination Framework, and used for the intended lifesaving purpose.

Building resilience

Speaking on behalf of the WHO Country Representative in Uganda, Dr Mwinga Kasonde, SEPFA implementation officer Dr David Kalema said: Road traffic injuries remain a major public health challenge in Uganda, claiming thousands of lives every year. However, through initiatives like this, strengthening emergency services, training first responders and equipping districts, Uganda is building a more resilient health system capable of saving lives when every second counts,” the message read.

Kalema noted that WHO is proud to work alongside the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, UNRSA, and Makerere University School of Public Health in advancing post-crash care, policy guidance, and advocacy for safer roads.

“Together, we are building a stronger, more responsive health system one that ensures every Ugandan has access to timely, life-saving care,” Dr. Kyabayinza concluded.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, the Mukono District Local Government, the Resident District Commissioner, MOH technical team, the EMS engineering and transport office.