The Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, yesterday flagged off 10 ambulances that will be used by Uganda Red Cross Society to respond to emergencies along highways.
According to the officials, the 10 fully equipped ambulances classified as Class B cost Shs 2 billion and are aimed at improving emergency and accident response along major highways in Uganda.
These highways include: Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara- Kabale, Lira-Mbale, Kampala-Gulu,Kampala-Malaba and 2 of these ambulances will be stationed in the Kampala metropolitan area, according to the officials.
These ambulances were procured by the Uganda Red Cross with funding from the government.
Speaking at the event which took place at his office in Kampala, Rugunda said the ambulances will greatly help during emergencies.
He noted that the government is committed to serving Ugandans and will continue to work with different organisations to enhance service delivery in the country.
"We trust the Uganda Red Cross and the proficiency they have exhibited over time. The government of Uganda trusts that you will deliver on this mandate in close coordination with the Ministry of Health. Go and serve the nation," said Rugunda.
Dr Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary in the ministry of Health, commended the Red Cross society for being reliable partner of the ministry.
“It is our dream that in the next three years we shall have a fleet for every region with call centres. We hope that these ambulances are centrally managed,"Atwine said.
The secretary general of the Uganda Red Cross Society, Robert Kwesiga said they were well prepared to do the task.
He thanked government for supporting them adding that their team are committed to professionalism in managing the ambulances.