Kioga county ambulance handed over to Amolatar by Dr. Atim

9 September 2025, 8:57 pm

By Sarah Ejang, Alphonse Odur and Okello Kennedy

Amolatar District has officially received a new ambulance from Kioga County, part of the recent deliveries initiated by the Ministry of Health.

The handover took place at Amolatar HCIV, where Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Vuciri Geoffrey highlighted the importance of this addition to local healthcare and issued a stern warning to the ambulance driver against transporting inappropriate items.

“The integrity of our emergency services must not be compromised,” he stated, warning that any misuse could lead to the withdrawal of these vital resources.

During the event, Dr. Agness Atim Apea, the Woman Member of Parliament, representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Janes Acheng, emphasised that the ambulance has been provided free of charge in line with government guidelines. “This is a crucial step towards improving healthcare access in our region,” she noted, highlighting the purpose of the initiative.

However, Dr. Apea did not hesitate to voice her concerns about the current state of Amolatar HCIV. She attributed the facility’s challenges to the misallocation of government funds by district leaders. “It is imperative that the funds allocated to our district are used effectively and transparently,” she urged.

This call to action was directed specifically at the district council members and the district chairperson, whom she urged to ensure their legacy reflects a commitment to community welfare rather than personal gain.

Dr. Apea specifically cautioned her fellow leaders on the importance of avoiding fund misappropriation. “If we had planned appropriately with the resources allocated to us, our healthcare facilities would show far more progress than they currently do,” she pointed out.

Her observations during the inspection raised serious concerns, particularly regarding the stalled children’s and maternity ward projects, despite sufficient funding having been allocated for these essential services.

The importance of tackling corruption was another key point in her address. “The President has made it clear that combating corruption is a priority, and as leaders, we cannot afford to be passive bystanders,” she emphasised.

In her remarks, Dr. Apea expressed her gratitude to the dedicated staff at Amolatar HCIV, recognising their hard work and commitment to the community’s health needs. “You have been entrusted with a vital role, and I encourage you to continue your excellent service,” she stated, acknowledging the efforts of the CAO’s office in providing essential training for the ambulance operators, while also conveying greetings from His Excellency, the President of Uganda.

The day’s events echo previous correspondence, particularly a letter sent by Dr. Apea on 22 August 2022, in which she requested a Type B ambulance for the constituency.

This aligns with the national emergency medical services policy established in 2021, which provides for national ambulance services coordinated at the regional level, ensuring that each constituency with a population of 100,000 receives one Type B ambulance.

As Amolatar District takes delivery of this new resource, the focus remains on fulfilling the responsibilities that come with it—ensuring that funds are properly managed and directed towards the improvements needed within the community.