An unfortunate incident occurred on Sunday night as an ambulance belonging to the Ministry of Health was carried away by heavy floods along Mukwano Road in Kampala. The vehicle, registration number UG 6738M, was swept away into a drainage ditch following the heavy downpour that affected various parts of the city.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Incident
According to eyewitnesses at the scene, the ambulance was driven by a lone driver at the time of the incident. While attempting to navigate the road, the floods became too strong, pushing the vehicle off course and into a nearby ditch. The driver tried to maintain control of the vehicle, but the force of the water was overwhelming. Fortunately, no passengers were on board at the time.
“The water came in so fast and strong, and before we knew it, the ambulance was being swept into the ditch,” said one witness. “It was scary to watch, but we are thankful that only the driver was inside, and no one was seriously hurt.”
The Impact of Heavy Rainfall in Kampala
Sunday night’s rainstorm was intense, leading to severe flooding in several low-lying areas of the city. Roads like Mukwano Road, which are prone to flooding, quickly became impassable, creating a dangerous situation for drivers. The incident with the Ministry of Health ambulance is just one of many examples of the challenges posed by the city’s poor drainage infrastructure during heavy rains.
Kampala has been struggling with flooding issues for years, especially during the rainy season. Blocked drains, poor urban planning, and inadequate flood management systems have led to waterlogging in various neighborhoods, damaging property, causing traffic disruptions, and posing a threat to public safety.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Local authorities and good Samaritans at the scene acted quickly, but the high level of water made it difficult to retrieve the ambulance immediately. Efforts are currently underway to safely remove the stranded vehicle from the ditch and assess the extent of the damage. Officials from the Ministry of Health are also on-site to evaluate the situation.
“We are doing everything we can to recover the ambulance. Thankfully, the driver escaped without any serious injuries. It could have been worse if the ambulance was carrying patients or other passengers,” said one official from the Ministry of Health.
A Call for Improved Infrastructure
The incident has reignited the conversation around Kampala’s need for better flood management and drainage systems. With increasing frequency and intensity of rainstorms, many residents are calling on the government to prioritize infrastructure improvements to mitigate the risks posed by such floods.
Mukwano Road, in particular, has been highlighted as a high-risk area during rainy seasons, with several similar incidents having occurred in the past. Local leaders and environmental activists have urged the city’s authorities to take immediate action to prevent future occurrences.
The stranding of the Ministry of Health’s ambulance on Mukwano Road is a reminder of the dangers posed by heavy rains and flooding in Kampala. While no lives were lost, the incident underscores the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to ensure the safety of road users, especially during extreme weather conditions.
As rescue efforts continue to retrieve the ambulance, it is hoped that this incident will prompt swift action to address the city’s drainage issues, preventing further accidents and keeping residents safe during the rainy season.
