After years of distress and long treks through Karamoja’s rugged terrain, residents of Lemusui can finally celebrate a breakthrough. Their local Health Centre III now has its first ambulance — a game-changing development many describe as life-saving.
Government leaders officially handed over the ambulance in a ceremony that marked the end of an agonizing wait. For years, locals walked more than 50 kilometers to reach emergency services. That struggle drew national attention and became a symbol of Uganda’s healthcare inequalities.
Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Esther Anyakun, who presided over the event, called the ambulance a symbol of care and dignity. “No mother should give birth by the roadside or lose a child due to lack of transport,” she said. “This ambulance is part of our broader effort to strengthen health services across the country.”
Last year, an image showing villagers carrying a corpse through the bush went viral, sparking outrage and calls for action. That photo, widely circulated online, highlighted the dire state of emergency healthcare in Lemusui.
Assistant District Health Officer Molly Putan expressed deep relief and joy. “We’ve waited for so long. Now, expectant mothers can be rescued in time. Emergencies will no longer mean death,” she said with emotion.
Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Peter Lokeris, described the effort to secure the ambulance as a tough battle. Health policies originally excluded Health Centre IIIs from receiving ambulances. “We didn’t accept that,” Lokeris said. “We kept lobbying and explaining until the government finally agreed to provide it.”
The area’s poor infrastructure and limited transport options have turned routine emergencies into life-threatening ordeals. Lemusui, like many parts of Karamoja, suffers from insecurity and lacks reliable public transit, making healthcare access especially difficult.
Several community members, who had previously lost loved ones en route to distant hospitals, welcomed the ambulance with gratitude. One village elder said, “We’ve carried our sick on bicycles and stretchers for years, praying they survive. Today, we have hope.”
Local health officials confirmed that a trained crew will operate the ambulance at Lemusui Health Centre III. They also plan to put fuel and maintenance arrangements in place to keep it running consistently.
The Ministry of Health has faced pressure to close the gap in regional health services. Lemusui’s story, once a symbol of neglect, now signals progress. The Lemusui Health Centre ambulance doesn’t just offer transport — it delivers dignity, safety, and a renewed belief in change for an often-overlooked community.
