Former Minister and NRM flag bearer for Mukono North, Ronald Kibuule, has earned praise from residents after coming to the rescue of an ambulance belonging to Mukono North MP Abdalla Kiwanuka, popularly known as Mulimamayuni.
The ambulance had reportedly been stranded by the roadside for close to three hours while transporting the body of an accident victim to Mulago Hospital for a postmortem examination. It is said to have run out of fuel midway, leaving the driver helpless as he awaited assistance.
Eyewitnesses say attempts by the driver to secure fuel support from his boss were unsuccessful, prompting residents to reach out to Kibuule, who responded swiftly and cleared the fuel bill.
“The driver explained that the ambulance had completely run out of fuel,” one eyewitness said. “The family of the deceased had no money to help in such a situation, so when residents contacted Kibuule, he responded immediately.”
Because the ambulance was far from the nearest fuel station, Kibuule instructed his team to fetch fuel in jerrycans. The vehicle was refilled with a full tank before resuming its journey.
He also gave the family’s family USD 100 (about Shs 380,000) to support the burial process.
Operators for ambulances owned by politicians told this publication that in many instances, people in need of the ambulances are expected to contribute fuel for transfers — a major challenge for poor families.
Residents applauded Kibuule for the gesture, noting that the intervention brought dignity to the deceased’s family and ensured the body reached the hospital in time.
Meanwhile, government has delivered two fully equipped Type II ambulances to Mukono District to support emergency referrals, especially in Mukono North and Mukono South constituencies.
The units, fitted with oxygen, automated BP monitors, trauma kits, stretchers and life-support equipment, were handed over to the district on Friday.
They were received by RDC Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba and District Health Officer Dr Stephen Mulindwa, and officially presented by the Ministry of Health Director General, Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, on behalf of Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine.
“Ambulance coverage has improved from 2% in 2021 to 54% in FY 2024/25,” Dr Kyabayinze noted. “Mukono is among the districts showing strong progress.”
He thanked UNICEF, WHO and Mukono local leaders for piloting a road traffic injury and post-crash care project in the district.
Despite the milestone, RDC Ndisaba appealed for more support for Nakifuma and Mukono Municipality — areas with growing emergency cases due to increasing industrialization and highway traffic.
“Mukono hosts fast-growing industrial zones like Namanve and Mbalala. In just one financial year (2004/05), industrial zones here recorded 3,783 workplace accidents,” she said. “We still need more ambulances, especially along the Kampala–Jinja Highway.”
Local health officials echoed the need for a dedicated, sustainable emergency fuel system to prevent incidents like the one witnessed this week.
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