Uganda Health sector gets over sh1b boost from Japan government

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Uganda's Ministry of Health is set to receive ambulances and fire trucks from the Japanese government under the grant contract worth over sh1b ($520,760).

The grant is part of Japan's commitment to supporting Uganda's healthcare sector and improving emergency response services, says Sasayama Takuya, the Japanese Ambassador to Uganda.   

Takuya, while speaking at the contract signing ceremony at the Japanese Embassy along Kyadondo Road in Nakasero, Kampala, said that the grant is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Japan and Uganda.

“Japan has been a long-standing development partner for Uganda, providing support in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This grant demonstrates Japan's commitment to supporting Uganda's development agenda,” he said earlier on Friday, September 26, 2025.

“Japan's support to Uganda's healthcare sector is aimed at improving the health and well-being of the population, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. Under this project, we will provide six second-hand ambulances and seven second-hand fire trucks to Uganda, Takuya confirmed.” Takuya added.

Dr Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, revealed that the donation from Japan will be distributed in several districts.

Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, Sasayama Takuya and permanent secretary ministry of health, Diana Atwine, signing grant contracts at the embassy in Kampala. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

Kiryandongo, Luwero, Bundibugyo, Mpigi, Tororo, Iganga districts and Lira city will receive one fire truck each.

Ambulance recipients are Gomba, Rwampara, Rakai, Luuka and Kapchorwa districts, plus Kampala city

At the event, Dr Atwine, who emphasised the need for efficient utilisation of resources, including vehicles, to ensure they serve their intended health-related purposes, expressed concern over the misuse of ministry vehicles.

“Government distributed more than 280 pickup vehicles in 2021 to support COVID-19 response efforts, but many of the vehicles have since been taken over by resident district commissioners (RDCs), district chairpersons, chief administrative officers and as a result, surveillance and emergency response efforts have been severely hampered,” she said.

“Some of those vehicles are parked at homes of public servants and are being used for non-health-related activities, which shall be addressed with the next crackdown on the errant officers.

The Ministry has directed that all its vehicles be placed under the direct supervision of District Health Officers to enhance accountability and safeguard service delivery tools,” she added. 

Dr Atwine's concerns reflect broader issues of resource management within the health sector, where allocated funds and supplies often get wasted due to inefficiencies or mismanagement.

Recently, the ministry reclaimed a vehicle from Apac District after it was discovered being used for non-health-related purposes by the Chief Administrative Officer. The vehicle was originally allocated to support immunisation efforts in the district.

Deputy director at fire prevention and rescue services, Franklin Kugonza, said the ambulances and fire trucks will enhance emergency response services, improve patient care, and increase access to healthcare.

“This grant is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Japan and Uganda and demonstrates Japan's commitment to supporting Uganda's development agenda,” he appreciated.

Dignitaries at the events included: Deputy operations officer at fire prevention and rescue services, Godfrey Okobo, Ministry of Health commissioner at the department of emergency medical services, Dr John Baptist Waniaye, senior automotive engineer at the Ministry of Health, John Paul Ssempebwa and technical assistant to the permanent secretary of the ministry of health, Ivan Goodheart Kigudde.