Minister Balaam Barugahara has directed authorities in Mitooma District to immediately arrest Mr. Mugumya, an ambulance driver attached to Mitooma District Local Government, over allegations that he has been soliciting money from residents in exchange for transporting patients.
According to the directive, Mugumya is accused of demanding payments of up to 400,000 shillings from families seeking emergency medical services, turning a service that is supposed to be free and lifesaving into a commercial transaction. The allegations came to light after several community members complained that they were being asked to pay large sums before an ambulance could be dispatched to pick up sick relatives, including expectant mothers and accident victims. For many households in Mitooma, 400,000 shillings is a significant amount, and the reported demands have left patients stranded or forced families into debt at moments of crisis.
In his order, Minister Balaam described the conduct as unacceptable and a betrayal of public trust. He said ambulances procured with taxpayer money are meant to serve all citizens without discrimination or extra charges, and that anyone using them to extort money from vulnerable people must face the law. He called on police in Mitooma to arrest Mugumya, carry out investigations, and ensure the matter is prosecuted so that it serves as a deterrent to others. The minister also tasked district health officials to review how emergency transport services are being managed and to put clear mechanisms in place for residents to report abuse without fear.