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The Motorboat Ambulance on Lake Bunyonyi that was introduced to respond to health related emergencies. Photo by Job Namanya
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"It was a chilly evening on April 26th, 2023, when my world came crashing down. My little girl fell seriously ill with a high fever. Living on an island in Lake Bunyonyi, I knew that the health center was far away, and the journey seemed impossible. Desperation filled my heart as I cradled my sick child," recalled Margaret Nankunda, a mother who has benefited from the Motorboat Ambulance sharing her story on how her 7-year-old daughter was rescued from the jaws of death following introduction of reliable means of transport on waters.
Launched In April, 2023, by then senior Presidential advisor for Special Operations who is now the commander of Defense Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, it became the first-ever motorboat ambulance on Africa’s second deepest Lake, Bunyonyi located in Western Uganda
The lake, spanning across Kabale and Rubanda districts, had been reliant on a single health centre to cater to the healthcare needs of the entire surrounding population. Bwama Health Centre III, located in Kabale district, serves communities from seven sub-counties: Rubaya, Kitumba, Butanda, and Kamuganguzi, while also extending its services to Muko, Bufundi, and Bubare sub-counties in Rubanda district.
Lack of efficient emergency transportation had long been a challenge for the health center. However, the Ministry of Health and its partners, provided a high-powered motorboat ambulance to the facility to address this issue that had been a bottle neck to residents.
Approximately a year after the motorboat ambulance's launch, a visit to Lake Bunyonyi can give you a convincing assessment of its impact on healthcare delivery.
A health Worker attending to an expectant mother on the Motorboat ambulance around Lake Bunyonyi. Photo by Job Namanya.
Nankunda says on that fateful evening, she developed courage and dialed the motorboat ambulance's number.
"The voice on the other end assured me that help was on its way. Clinging to hope, I waited anxiously. Each passing minute felt like an eternity, but then, cutting through the waves of the lake, I spotted the brilliant lights of the ambulance drawing near. A team of dedicated medical professionals rushed to our aid. They assessed my daughter's condition and provided immediate care. The motorboat ambulance had arrived just in the nick of time, saving my daughter's life. Tears of relief streamed down my face as I held her close," she narrated.
Another beneficiary is Melon Ninsiima, a 35-year-old expectant mother who narrated to us how she was able to rush to the health facility in less than 10 minutes when she felt serious contractions.
"I reside on an island approximately 5 kilometres away from Bwama Health Centre. There was a moment when I found myself contemplating what to do if I went into labor while my husband was away from home. Then it struck me that I had saved the contact information for the ambulance team. When I reached out to them, they responded promptly. I am grateful that I received a diagnosis and received valuable advice". shared Ninsiima.
These and other testimonies attest how valuable and important the Ambulance is, and local communities continue to express immense joy, believing the ambulance is significantly improving access to healthcare services in a more efficient manner.
John Kamugisha, a Local Farmer, eloquently recounted his life's connection to the land and Lake Bunyonyi, where nature offered sustenance and presented its own set of dangers.
"I have been tilling the land on the Lake for as long as I can remember. The lake has provided us with sustenance, but it has its dangers too. One day, as I worked on my farm, disaster struck. I had a severe accident that left me unable to move, far from help." His voice resonated with the despair he felt at that dire moment.
However, hope emerged when a neighbor heard his cries and called for the motorboat ambulance.
As he recounted the arrival of the ambulance team, he conveyed how it felt like an eternity, but then as he heard the roaring engine approaching his relief was evident as the ambulance team swiftly came to his aid.
"The ambulance team arrived swiftly; their expertise was evident as they tended to my injuries on the spot. It was a turning point in my life. The motorboat ambulance gave me a second chance at life, and I am forever grateful," he said.
At Bwama Health Centre III in Kitumba sub-county, the ambulance remains on standby for emergencies.
Upon arrival at the facility, we encountered locals patiently waiting to receive medical attention from the dedicated health workers.
Previously, they had to rely on traditional boats to reach the health center.
Healthcare staff are always on standby to receive reports from the community about any emergency that needs an ambulance.
However, Expectant mothers dominate the list of demands for ambulance services.
The medical team promptly prepares after any call is made and they set off to pick up the person and remarkably, within just a short time, they reach the designated location to rescue the person, demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of the motorboat ambulance.
"Life before was extremely challenging, particularly for expectant mothers who often arrived in emergency situations. Many struggled to reach our facility on time, leading to delays in receiving necessary care. In some cases, women even gave birth on traditional boats while en route to the facility or sought assistance from traditional birth attendants," shared Ronald Ngabirano, the in charge of Bwama Health Centre III.
Ngabirano revealed that the health center management has shared its contact information with the general public for easy communication during emergencies.
"We provided our contact information to members of the Village Health Teams (VHTs) in the lake's surrounding areas to facilitate communication with the community. When we receive a call for assistance, we promptly respond to the location and provide immediate intervention. It's important to note that we do not charge for any of our services," Ngabirano emphasized.
The Motorboat Ambulance docking at Bwama Health Centre III (Photo by Job Namanya)
Alex Byakatonda, the District Communications officer for Kabale district, emphasized that the boat ambulance is being managed effectively by the authorities, instilling optimism in its long-term sustainability.
"This boat is currently under the maintenance of the Ministry of Health, with support from the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, providing Coxswains for the next two years. We are confident that this robust collaboration will significantly benefit our community," Byakatonda stated.
However, Byakatonda acknowledged that a single ambulance is insufficient considering the number of people who could benefit from such services, highlighting the need for additional resources.
"When you consider the population served by this Health Centre, it's evident that one boat falls short. To adequately cover the seven sub-counties under this facility's jurisdiction, we require at least five boats," he emphasized.
