Minister Anite's withdrawal of ambulance disappoints residents

MINSTER | ANITE | AMBULANCE

KOBOKO - Residents of Koboko municipality have said investment minister Evelyn Anite’s alleged withdrawal of the ambulance she donated to them last year is a misguided decision.

Her action, they said, has not only angered them but also frustrated health service delivery in the municipality.

Anite donated the ambulance ahead of the National Resistance Movement party primary election campaigns.

She toured the campaign venues with it while pledging to deliver three more, which would be deployed at division level.

She told the residents during her campaign trails that the ambulance would be used to transport pregnant mothers to health facilities, to improve on health facility deliveries and also make the sick access services easily.

However, the NRM primary elections did not go according to Anite’s plan. Dr Charles Ayume, the Koboko Municipality Member of Parliament-elect beat her to  victory.

It is unclear whether her loss in the election is the reason for the alleged withdrawal of the ambulance.

However, when contacted by New Vision on why she did so, Anite said: “I already made my response on NTV. Did you hear that? That was my voice. So, as a journalist, do your research, go to NTV its also there in the recording and you can listen to it.”

When this paper made a constant persuasion to obtain her motive, she said: “Do you want to listen to what was on NTV? I cannot help you because it is not my job to do your job. You get paid for it so please do it. I already finished responding and I don’t respond to the same question twice.

Anite donated the ambulance ahead of the National Resistance Movement party primary election campaigns. File Photo

I made a public response and it was everywhere. Everyone knows my “Kika” position.”

New Vision has learnt that the minister’s reply to NTV did not tough.

She was quoted as saying: “I am not a Member of Parliament for Koboko. I don’t want to answer anything. So do not ask me anything. I am a private citizen, so leave me alone.”

Koboko municipal health officer Aza’bo Joel regarded the alleged withdrawal as a “rumour”.

He said the ambulance was officially handed over to municipal authorities that later transferred it to Koboko Hospital administration with some documents and money to pay the driver for six months.

He added that for the minister to have it back, the same procedure should have been followed. He said the disappearance of the ambulance from the hospital premises has affected the department in delivery of services efficiently.

Koboko municipality does not have its own ambulance. It, therefore, relies on those of the district.

Anite’s ambulance was officially handed over to municipal authorities on the October 7, last year without a logbook.

Meanwhile, Koboko district leaders refuted claims that they were behind the withdrawal of the ambulance.

Peter Mokili Abeson, the district secretary for social services, said in a council meeting last week, they resolved that future donations should be appropriately done with all documents presented and owned by the district.

Residents say

Tabu Janet, a resident of Abele cell

Accessing ambulance services in Koboko is expensive and I was excited when Anite made the donation, hoping this would be a remedy to the challenges women go through.

The withdrawal of the ambulance has disappointed me because even though she lost the seat, she worked for five years and would have left it as a reward to the residents.

Lekuru Ramula, a resident of Sinyani cell, is having her first pregnancy 

The ambulance played a key role in ensuring that the sick got timely health care services. 

Atoko Kana of Mengo ward

Why does Anite want to taint her image by withdrawing the ambulance?

Kassim Asiyo, a resident

The withdrawal of the ambulance is not a surprise because its management and driver supervision was not done by the hospital administration.

Instead, it was always parked in the corridors of the municipality. The residents recommend that Minister Anite Evelyn rescinds her decision and returns the ambulance.