GPS trackers could be deployed to monitor use of govt vehicles
May 13, 2018
GPS is a space based satellite navigation system that provides location
The health ministry permanent secretary, Dr Diana Atwiine, addressing district health officers at the ministry's headquarters in Kampala. Photo by Francis Emorut
The Government is planning to procure vehicles with Global Positioning System (GPS) to enhance efficiency and cost effectiveness.
She pointed out that drivers have a habit of inflating the fuel used and mismanaging government vehicles and therefore, the system will help to trace their location.
"All government vehicles must have GPS so that we monitor you and for cost effectiveness," the health ministry permanent secretary Dr Diana Atwine said.
She made the remarks during the handover of 15 vehicles to district health officers at the health ministry's headquarters in Kampala.
GPS is a space based satellite navigation system that provides location and conditions on or near earth. It is now one of the world's most commonly used tools.
The 15 double cabin pickups worth sh2.3b are a grant from the International Development Association and Global Finance under the Swedish government.
The procured vehicles are for hard-to-reach districts to improve on maternal and child health as well as service delivery in the health facilities.
The districts which have benefited include Buvuma, Kaabong, Kyotera, Masaka, Amuru, Kakumiro, Butebo and Bukedea.
Others are Kagadi, Sembabule, Nakasongola, Buliisa, Kaberamaido, Butaleja and Abim.
According to Atwine, the vehicles are under Uganda Reproductive Maternal and Child Health Services Improvement project.
She urged the district health officers to set targets for improving maternal and child heath in their districts.
Atwine cautioned the officials against using the vehicles for private business but rather for improving service delivery in their areas.
"I will not hesitate to withdraw the vehicle from you if I find that you misusing it," Atwine told the district health officials.
She advised the officials to budget for the maintenance of the vehicles and strengthen supervision in order to improve service delivery.
The Kagadi Woman MP, Jennifer Mbabazi, welcomed the government's offer, and pledged that her district will maintain the vehicle properly and be specifically used for improvement of maternal and child health.