Health 1 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Koboko District Ambulance Returns After Three-Year Impasse in Gulu
A government ambulance for Koboko District has been released and returned after being held for over three years at a Toyota dealership in Gulu due to disputed repair arrears. The vehicle's prolonged absence significantly impacted the district's emergency response capabilities. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/koboko-govt-ambulance-released-after-monitor-exposes-impasse-5580260
A crucial government ambulance belonging to Koboko District has finally been returned after a lengthy impasses that lasted over three years. The vehicle, registration number UG 4413 M, was held by Toyota-CFAO Mobility in Gulu over a disputed debt amounting to over Shs21 million.
The ambulance, branded by the Ministry of Health, had been used as collateral for outstanding repair bills, not just for the ambulance itself, but also for other vehicles belonging to various district departments. This situation left Koboko with a significantly reduced capacity to handle emergencies, including critical maternity cases, as previously reported.
Following intervention and follow-up by district officials, spurred by media attention from Daily Monitor, the ambulance was released on Monday and has now returned to Koboko District. The District LCV Chairman, Ashraf Mambo, confirmed the vehicle’s return, emphasizing its importance in improving emergency response.
“We have committed ourselves to Toyota that we shall pay our obligations, and we shall direct all the departments being owed to fulfil their payments,” stated Mr. Mambo, adding that the district now possesses three functional ambulances to serve a population of approximately 267,000.
While the ambulance’s return is a relief, some district councillors have raised concerns regarding the “value for money” and called for an investigation into the prolonged period the vehicle spent at the repair shop. Concerns were also voiced about the district’s fleet management practices and why the ambulance was taken to Gulu instead of a closer workshop in Arua.
The Chief Administrative Officer, Nicolas Ogwang, assured that a payment schedule has been agreed upon with Toyota for the outstanding balances of other vehicles, and the ambulance itself had no outstanding debt.