Communities around Kempungu in Mbarara District are set to benefit from faster and more reliable emergency medical services after Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) donated a brand-new ambulance to Kempungu Clinic, a vital health facility serving hundreds of families in the region.
The new ambulance was officially unveiled at a colourful ceremony attended by religious leaders, health officials, and local authorities. The event highlighted the growing need for timely medical transport in rural communities where patients often struggle to access referral hospitals during emergencies.
Speaking during the handover, Rev. Patrick Atuhaire, who represented the Bishop of Ankole, commended RAHU for the life-saving contribution, noting that access to an ambulance will greatly improve response times for critical cases.
“In health emergencies, every minute matters. This ambulance is not just a vehicle; it is a lifeline that will save many lives,” he said.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mackline Kukunda, Mbarara Mayor Gumisiriza Kyabwisho, and District Health Officer Dr. Peter Sebutinde all praised the initiative, saying the clinic had long faced challenges referring patients to hospitals in time. They noted that the ambulance will bridge that gap and strengthen community health systems.
The donation is part of RAHU’s broader mission to improve community well-being through health awareness, youth empowerment, and access to essential services. The organisation has been at the forefront of promoting sexual and reproductive health, especially among young people, while also investing in health infrastructure across Uganda.
During the same event, guests toured RAHU’s Youth Hub, where young innovators showcased their projects in health, livelihood, and technology. The demonstration reflected RAHU’s belief that empowering young people is key to sustaining better health outcomes for communities.
Kempungu Clinic serves a wide catchment area, often handling emergency cases without adequate means of referral. The new ambulance is expected to change that by ensuring faster access to higher-level care and improving patient survival rates.