Byengoma Family Donates Ambulance to Rugarama Hospital in Kabale

KABALE – 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 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, Byengoma expressed his gratitude to his wife, Rosette Byengoma, who, as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry if Defence, successfully advocated for the ambulance’s acquisition through Dr. Eli Mercie from Egypt.

In addition to the ambulance, the Byengoma family also revealed their efforts in securing various essential medical equipment for the hospital, including 40 beds, 40 mattresses, 40 bed drawers, 40 dining tables, 5 baby incubators, 10 baby cots, 3 baby warmers, 40 bedside cupboards, and 2 operating tables. These items are scheduled for delivery to the hospital by the upcoming Monday. Byengoma further mentioned their ongoing collaboration with the hospital management to lobby for an X-Ray machine from the Ministry of Health, which would further expand the hospital’s services.

CUE IN BYENGOMA…. ON DANATION……RR//

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.

CUE IN BISHOP AKANJUNA……ON AMBULANCE……RR//

Dr. Esther Rutaremwa, the Medical Superintendent, and Kenneth Bekunda, representing the Chairman of the 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.

CUE IN DR RUTAREMWA AND KENNETH…. ON THE DONATION……. RR//

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.

CUE IN DR MATEEKA…. ON THE MATTER……RR/ENG//

This act of generosity from the Byengoma family promises to bring about significant improvements in emergency medical services in Kabale District, ensuring better healthcare access for its residents.