The Byengoma family, owners of Arcadia Cottages in Kabale District, led by Nicholas Byengoma, have donated a fully-equipped ambulance registration number UBP 956G to Rugarama Hospital in a bid to enhance emergency services within the hospital. The Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi requested that the donated ambulance be handled responsibly.

The official handover of the ambulance took place at the residence of the Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, the Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna, at Rugarama Hill, Northern Division of Kabale Municipality. 

During the handover ceremony, Nicholas Byengoma expressed gratitude to his wife, Rosette Byengoma, who, as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, successfully advocated for the ambulance’s acquisition through Dr. Eli Mercie from Egypt.

He also explained why they treat reaching out to Health facilities in the region as important.

In addition to the ambulance, the Byengoma family also revealed their efforts in securing various essential supplies for the hospital.

The Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, emphasized the responsibility of the hospital administrators in ensuring the proper maintenance and effective use of the donated ambulance for the benefit of the hospital and the community it serves.

Dr. Esther Rutaremwa, the Medical Superintendent of Rugarama Hospital Board, highlighted the significance of this donation in reducing maternal mortality rates among expectant mothers. Dr. Rutaremwa noted that the hospital frequently makes between 100 to 300 referrals each month, and with only one ambulance prior to this donation, it struggled to efficiently serve the community’s needs.

Dr. Gilbert Arinaitwe Mateeka, the Kabale District Health Officer, called upon the Ministry of Health to allocate more ambulances to the district. He has already initiated correspondence with the ministry, stressing the importance of bolstering healthcare services in the district through increased ambulance availability.