Police decline to release impounded ambulance donated by Kitgum MP

Kitgum, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Police in Kitgum district have declined to release a private ambulance impounded from Kitgum Municipality legislator Denis Onekalit Amere.

The ambulance registration number UBJ 962Y was impounded on Friday as Amere attempted to donate it for medical emergencies and timely referrals of patients in Kitgum district. The police also arrested and briefly detained Amere at Gulu Central Police station on charges of holding an illegal procession and negligent act likely to spread an infectious disease contrary to section 171 of the penal code act. Amere who was released on police bond over the weekend however denies the charges.

Martin Abigaba, the acting District Police Commander told Uganda Radio Network (URN) in an interview that the police couldn’t release the ambulance since they are still carrying out an investigation.

But Pager division chairperson, also the Kitgum District Forum for Democratic Change -FDC party chairperson Santos Morris Oyo says it is baseless for the police to hold an ambulance that is supposed to be serving the community in health emergencies.

He says by the police holding onto the ambulance for long, they will be frustrating opportunities for vulnerable people who cannot afford to hire private ambulances during health emergencies.

“This ambulance won’t only help the people who elected Amere or those in opposition but the entire community of Kitgum Municipality including police officers,” says Oyo.

Amere told URN in an interview that the impounded ambulance belongs to the public and should be released to serve its purpose. “This is the right opportune moment that the ambulance should be helping people, so if it’s not working, it makes its entire purpose null and void,” says Amere.

Amere’s team is expected to meet the police today to ensure the ambulance is released.

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