Koome island boat ambulance remains idle as locals cant afford shs300,000 for fuel per trip

In 2022, the government of Uganda provided a Shs 600 million boat ambulance to Mukono District, meant to offer free emergency transportation for residents of Koome Island needing medical attention on the mainland.

However, despite the significant investment, the ambulance has become a symbol of frustration rather than a lifeline for the islanders.

The boat now lies idle, with reports indicating that Mukono District has failed to maintain and operate the ambulance.

The lack of functionality has raised serious concerns about the sustainability of such initiatives, particularly in areas with limited resources for upkeep.

What was intended as a critical tool for saving lives has instead added to the growing list of unmet needs faced by residents, leaving them with the same access challenges the ambulance was meant to alleviate.

The primary issue is the lack of funding needed to operate the ambulance.

Islanders have reported that they are unable to raise the required shs300,000  per referral, and without this money, the ambulance cannot be fueled or dispatched.

Babirye Natukunda, a resident of Misenyi Landing Site, shared the devastating consequences of this fuel shortage.

“Expectant mothers are unable to use the boat ambulance because they can’t afford to buy the petrol usually required. As a result, they end up using overcrowded public boats to cross to Katosi, or they resort to local birth attendants, which sometimes leads to maternal deaths,” Natukunda said.

Misenyi Village Chairperson, Christopher Kitosi described the ambulance as a "tourist attraction" rather than a practical tool for the locals.

He lamented that the  cost of fuel is  too much for low-income earners, and bureaucratic delays in securing the funds have only worsened the situation.

Isaac Kitongo, the Mukono District Councilor for Koome Subcounty, expressed his appreciation to the government for providing the boat ambulance, which was originally intended to save lives. However, Kitongo is dismayed by the inconsistent operation of the ambulance due to funding gaps, leaving many islanders anxious about their safety.

“The ambulance was meant to be a lifesaver, but without proper funding, it has become a liability,” Kitongo said.

The issue is compounded by the limited funds allocated for the ambulance’s operation.

Koome Subcounty Vice Chairperson Joseph Sekibuule explained that the subcounty receives a quarterly allocation of 5 million shillings for fuel, but this is quickly used up after just a few referrals.

“The funds run out after only four referrals, and then the ambulance stays idle until the next quarter’s funds are released. This puts lives in jeopardy,” Sekibuule said.

In response to these concerns, Mukono District Health Officer Dr. Stephen Mulindwa dismissed the allegations, insisting that fuel for the ambulance is always available.

“These are baseless allegations from a few people trying to tarnish the government’s image. Fuel is available 24/7,” Dr. Mulindwa said.

“However, I will personally look into the matter to ensure there are no issues with supply.”

The boat ambulance, which was part of a presidential pledge to the people of Koome Island, was funded through the supplementary Covid-19 fund, as well as contributions from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, GAVI (the Vaccine Alliance), and UNICEF.

Despite these significant investments, the residents of Koome Island continue to face a critical lack of access to essential healthcare services, with the boat ambulance remaining idle and out of reach for those who need it most.

As the situation remains unresolved, the people of Koome Island are calling for a more reliable solution to ensure that the boat ambulance fulfills its intended purpose and does not become another broken promise.