Irish Charity Donates 11 Ambulances to Strengthen Palliative Care Services in Uganda

Hope on Wheels has donated 11 ambulances to Uganda to improve palliative care services and support patients with life-limiting illnesses.

An Irish humanitarian organisation, Hope on Wheels (HOW), has donated 11 ambulances to Uganda to enhance emergency healthcare services for patients suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions requiring palliative care.

Speaking during the handover ceremony to the Ministry of Health on Tuesday, HOW Board Chairperson Tom Doyle said the initiative was inspired by the late Dr Anne Merriman, widely recognised as the pioneer of palliative care in Africa and founder of Hospice Africa Uganda.

Doyle explained that the idea originated during a dinner meeting with Dr Merriman in January 2025, shortly before her passing. Initially, the discussion focused on securing a single ambulance for Hospice Africa Uganda, but the project later expanded to benefit multiple hospices across the country.

After returning to Ireland, the organisation partnered with the Palliative Care Association of Uganda and reached out to Ireland’s National Ambulance Service and Fire Service for support. According to Doyle, both institutions responded positively and donated the vehicles after learning about Uganda’s healthcare needs.

He noted that although the ambulances are several years old, they have been well maintained and remain suitable for service.

Doyle also revealed that the project faced several setbacks, including disruptions caused by international conflicts and concerns about Ebola outbreaks in the region. Despite the risks, volunteers remained committed and travelled to Uganda to ensure the delivery was completed.

Representing the Ministry of Health, Director General of Health Services Dr Charles Olaro thanked Hope on Wheels for the donation, assuring the organisation that the ambulances would be put to effective use. He also reassured the public that Uganda’s Ebola situation is under control and that international travel remains safe.

During the event, Dr Olaro officially launched the Dr Anne Merriman Fund for Palliative Care in Uganda, a new initiative aimed at improving access to palliative care services nationwide.

According to the Palliative Care Association of Uganda, access to palliative care remains limited due to a shortage of trained professionals and inadequate facilities. PCAU Board Chairperson Dr Nixon Niyonzima said Uganda needs at least 3,000 palliative care specialists but currently has only about 350.

The Ministry of Health said the ambulances will be distributed to hospices across the country, many of which are operated by charitable organisations.