MBARARA, Uganda | October 2, 2025 — In a major step toward improving emergency healthcare in rural areas, Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) has officially handed over a brand new ambulance to Kempungu Clinic in Mbarara District. The vehicle, unveiled during a well-attended ceremony, is set to significantly enhance the referral system and provide timely transport for patients in critical condition.
For residents of Kempungu and the surrounding areas, the ambulance is more than just a vehicle—it is a long-awaited solution to persistent challenges in accessing urgent medical care. With limited transport options, families and healthcare workers have long struggled to respond swiftly to emergencies, often resulting in avoidable complications or worse.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, The Venerable Atuhaire Patrick, Archdeacon of Ankole Diocese and representative of the Bishop, emphasized the life-saving potential of the new ambulance.
“In health emergencies, time is life. This ambulance is not just a vehicle—it is a lifeline,” he remarked, commending RAHU for its continued investment in community-centered healthcare solutions.
The event drew notable leaders from across the district, including Deputy Resident District Commissioner Kukunda Mackline, Mayor Kyabwisho Gumisiriza, District Health Officer Dr. Peter Sebutinde, local clergy, health facility in-charges, and Village Health Team members. Their presence demonstrated a strong show of support for the initiative and highlighted the broad appreciation of RAHU’s contributions to the health sector in Mbarara.
In addition to the ambulance handover, guests toured the RAHU Youth Hub, where young innovators showcased various livelihood projects aimed at improving community health and economic empowerment. The hub, a centerpiece of RAHU’s youth engagement work, highlights how health and development go hand-in-hand.
Local leaders expressed gratitude, stressing how the ambulance would ease the burden on families and frontline health workers.
“This ambulance will make a huge difference. Patients will no longer have to wait hours for referral transport. It means lives saved,” said one local official.
For Reach A Hand Uganda, this initiative aligns with its broader mission of empowering young people and improving access to essential services. Known for its work in youth empowerment, sexual and reproductive health, mental wellness, and economic development, RAHU continues to expand its impact in underserved communities.
