By Mukembo Wilfred
Rotary International has donated over 100 tricycle ambulances to Uganda’s health centers III.
A HC III serve the functions of the basic peripheral unit in the parish where it is located while at the same time performing the supervisory function for all .
Paul Luyima the president of Rotary club of Bunga disclosed this on Tuesday while flagging off four more tricycle ambulances that will serve the health centers of f St Francis of ASSIS Health Center 111, Kitakyusa subcounty and Kitutu Health center111 Mpigi district.
Others are destined to serve in Rushere Health Center 111 Bushenyi district and Sekanyonyi health center 111 Mityana district.
The former President Bunga Rotary club Teopista Birungi Mayanja revealed that Rotary International District 9214 particularly for Uganda’s case have bought 80,30 and 23 TVA s in phases under the Rotary year 2023/2024 , the ambulances are targeted to serve health center111.
Birungi who is also the Deputy General Secretary of the Uganda National Teachers Union said, the funds for purchase of the ambulances is basically contributory from the Rotery Club member.
“Our target was that we can have the first 100 try-cycles procured this year (2023/2024) and subsequently move until we get the 300.
We have signed a memorandum of Understanding (MEMO) with the ministry of health and World Health Organization with village ambulance sustainability program where the communities will manage these try-cycles,” said Birungi.
“Out of the 130 TVAs,I have donated one TVA to St Francis of ASSIS Health Center 111, located in Kitakyusa subcounty Mpigi district.” Birungi added
“I donated the ambulance because I grew up in a rural area that lacked, we grew up from an area that lacks infrastructure. We used to trek over seven kilometers to Nkozi hospital for medical treatment, I don’t want others to suffer,” Birungi further added
The TVA’s were received by The Mpigi District Woman Member of Parliament, Teddy Nambooze and Nassah Kasamba the in charge of St Francis of ASSIS Health Center 111.
“The community must service the ambulance and also replace the worn out tyres and mechanical engine machines.
The launched project, will help in solving the issues of delays which have been the major problem leading to maternal deaths.” Nambooze said.
Other members of Bunga Rotary club who attended the function are: George Mukambi, Lilian Kiwanuka, Sarah Kiwanuka, Virgo Nanyonjo, Joseph Settuba
“The communities should work hard to fight poverty, the government is supposed to equip all health centers and hospitals with Ambulances , however now it Rotary clubs that is doing the interventions,” Nambooze added
Joseph Settuba a Rotarian also the proprietor of Jose Hotel in Bunga Wakiso district also contributed and donated another TVA to Kitutu Health center111 Mpigi district.
Birungi said another TVA will be donated to Rushere Health Center 111 Bushenyi district and Sekanyonyi health center 111 Mityana district.
“When I settled in Kitutu village I realized there is a challenge of transport for expectant mothers and other patients for referrals, my mother died because there was no transport to take her to the referral hospitals,” Ssettuba said.
