By East Africa 24 News Desk
RUKUNGIRI, UGANDA — Uganda’s Minister of State for Security, Retired Major General Jim Muhwezi, has handed over a modified Toyota Noah minivan as a fully equipped ambulance to Bwambara sub-county in Rukungiri District. The donation, made on November 4, 2025, aims to strengthen emergency health services for pregnant women and other vulnerable residents in this remote part of the country.
This marks the second ambulance donation by Muhwezi in his Rujumbura County constituency, following a similar handover last year at Bugangari Health Centre IV. The initiative is part of the minister’s ongoing efforts to improve rural healthcare infrastructure, a sector long challenged by limited resources, difficult terrain, and staffing shortages.
However, the latest donation has sparked debate on social media. Critics, including former Health Minister Walter Mwesigye, questioned whether a Toyota Noah minivan is suitable for the rugged terrain of Bwambara and whether it complies with national ambulance standards. Users on various platforms argued that while the gesture is commendable, such vehicles may not withstand the district’s demanding roads or provide the level of care expected from official ambulances.
Supporters of Muhwezi, meanwhile, praised the donation as a practical step toward addressing urgent healthcare needs in rural communities. They noted that any equipped vehicle capable of transporting patients to medical facilities is a welcome addition in areas where access to emergency care is limited.
The discussion highlights ongoing challenges in Uganda’s rural healthcare system, where infrastructure gaps often leave residents dependent on improvised solutions for critical medical emergencies. While the debate continues online, the ambulance is already in use, serving Bwambara residents and reinforcing the need for innovative approaches to delivering healthcare in Uganda’s remote districts.