UPDF denies blocking access to NUP ambulances at military hospitals

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) strongly distanced itself from allegations of denying opposition party-branded ambulances access to military hospitals countrywide.

This comes shortly after Katikamu South MP, Hon Hassan Kirumira claimed that ambulances branded with posters of Opposition politicians had been denied access to the Bombo Military Hospital in Luweero District.

Mr Kirumira, who subscribes to the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, said the ambulances including one he donated for his constituents only serve to bridge the transport challenges in evacuating the patients to the health facilities.

“The ambulances are not allowed to go past the quarter guard because they are branded. The concern would be about saving life and not the vehicle. The patients are made to move out of the ambulances at the gate,” Kirumira said last weekend.

However, in a statement released by UPDF, the army spokesperson Brig Gen Kulayigye clarified that all vehicles, including ambulances, have to be checked before accessing any military installation worldwide and that Uganda is not an exception.

“We treat everyone and never ask for party affiliations. Why should we stop ambulances if they are doing the right job? However, we reiterate our resolve that security protocols must be respected to access military medical services,” Kulayigye’s statement reads in part.

Kulayigye added that some people would wish that they could access such facilities without the scrutiny of the guards. “This is unacceptable since it may allow easy infiltration by probable security threats or their sympathisers,” the army spokesperson said.

Mr Moses Ssebalamu, the LC3 chairperson for Wobulenzi Town Council in Luweero, had equally complained that he was a victim after accompanying a patient in an ambulance that belonged to Mr Kirumira.

“We have always been stopped at the gate of the barracks when we use the ambulance that is branded with political party colours. We are told to get out of the ambulance. We are forced to use a stretcher to ensure that the patient gets to the hospital,” he said.