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Celebrating the faces behind every impact: Appreciation week sparks gratitude and connection at Enabel in Uganda.
Sharon IBENU | 02/04/2025
At Enabel, we firmly believe that our people are the driving force behind every success, every milestone, and every impact we create. Last week, laughter filled the corridors, handwritten notes of gratitude exchanged hands, while colleagues recognised one another during our much-anticipated Appreciation Week. Colleagues shared uplifting comments like " Thank you for always coming to work with a smile, it’s contagious" and "You have an amazing ability to make everyone smile no matter the situation." These simple yet powerful words reminded us of the importance of recognizing and valuing one another-not just for the work we do, but for the unique energy and spirit we bring to the team. For Peter Mark Nyanzi, an IT graduate trainee who has been with Enabel for just five months, the Appreciation Week was a transformative experience. "I felt good, happy, and loved. The fact that people see and value you is something I didn’t expect. People are soft and kind. I am happy to be part of this amazing family " he shared. Peter was not alone in being moved. Many others like Fred Muyanja, a driver, echoed similar sentiments: "I didn’t know that people appreciate the work I do. I am more motivated to do my job now and glad I received wonderful messages." For Fred, the week was a rare and meaningful moment of recognition that left a lasting impact. Rose Kato, the Enabel in Uganda Relations Stewart, summed it up perfectly: " The week reminded us that even in the busiest of times, taking a moment to acknowledge each other can have a profound impact. The smiles, laughter throughout the week were a testament to the strength of our team spirit and the deep connections we share as colleagues. As we move forward, let’s carry the lessons of Appreciation Week with us. Let’s continue to celebrate each other, uplift one another, and create an environment where everyone feels valued. After all, it’s the people who make Enabel truly exceptional.” she noted. Enabel staff also marked International Women’s Day during the week by honouring and celebrating all the incredible women who are part of the organisation. It was a moment to reflect on the vital contributions of women in driving Enable's mission forward and to recognise their strength, resilience, and dedication. The celebration was a powerful reminder of the importance of gender equality and the value of creating an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives. Here’s to the incredible team that makes it all happen—thank you for being the heart of Enabel!
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New learning resources to transform schools in Busoga and Rwenzori regions of Uganda.
Sharon IBENU | 02/04/2025
For years, schools in the Busoga and Rwenzori regions have struggled to access adequate learning materials. Many students and teachers have had to rely on outdated or insufficient resources. For example, 10 students had to share one textbook, making learning difficult. To bridge this gap, Enabel in Uganda, through the WeLearn project, provided 18.403 textbooks and 80 desktop computers to 20 schools in the regions. In addition, Enabel provided 800.000 teacher guides and 40 internet access points equipment. These resources will improve the teaching and learning experience for both the students and the teachers. The headteacher of Masese Seed School, Hajat Aisha Male Yiga noted that the impact of the support was immediate. With overcrowded classrooms and limited resources, the new textbooks and computers have reduced the strain." Our classrooms, which were designed for 50 students, currently accommodate up to 120 learners, but these additional resources will ease the strain on our facilities. The donation of computers will finally allow our O’level students, who have been relying on theory-based ICT lessons, to gain practical skills. Our teachers are also now better equipped to deliver lessons effectively, thanks to the availability of more textbooks and the training through Enabel they have received in digital abilities." The new textbooks will improve syllabus coverage and foster better group work among students. “Previously, each textbook was shared by about 10 students, limiting their ability to fully engage with the material.” said Denis Waiguta, the Director of studies at Masese Seed School. Furthermore, the students now have access to updated and relevant content, enabling them to better understand key concepts and improve their academic performance. At Karangura Seed Secondary School in Kabarole district, where IT lessons were previously constrained by limited laptops, the new resources have improved learning conditions. Head teacher, Mr. Joseph Rwakibeede, described the support as a much-needed relief noting that the textbook sharing ratio had improved from 1:8 to 1:2. " I can now read and concentrate without anyone having to interrupt me for the books. " says Zainah Nanyanzi, a Senior three student at Karangura Seed Secondary School who wants to become a military doctor. The WeLearn project is part of Enabel’s broader mission to support Uganda’s education sector. Joeri Leysen, the project manager at Enabel, says “This is part of our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education and the abilities they need to succeed in the 21st century." Mr. Denis Waiguta calls this “a game-changer.” He adds, “Now, our students can finally learn ICT practically, not just in theory.”
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Belgium-Uganda cooperation: Driving sustainable development
Dorothy KYAMAZIMA | 06/03/2025
Since 2000, Uganda has been a key partner in Belgium’s international development cooperation, with Enabel leading efforts to support the country’s development agenda. The 2023-2028 Belgium-Uganda Cooperation Programme, backed by an €84 million budget, focuses on strengthening the private sector, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the role of the state in facilitating economic and social progress. In addition to its bilateral programme, Enabel also implements projects on behalf of the European Union, with an additional €42 million dedicated to sustainable business development and lower secondary education. Key priorities: investing in people and prosperity Enabel’s cooperation programme is designed to empower young people and women, equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to become independent, engaged citizens in a society that upholds human rights and provides essential services. The programme is structured around two strategic pillars: Pillar 1: Green and Decent Jobs – Supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development to create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.Pillar 2: Education and Healthcare – Enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services to build a more inclusive and resilient society. Aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP III) and the Parish Development Model (PDM), the cooperation programme contributes to the country’s long-term vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development. To learn more about our impact and initiatives, explore our brochure Enabel_in_Uganda_2024_Ed2_Web.pdf.
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Strengthening maternal healthcare in Uganda
Dorothy KYAMAZIMA | 06/03/2025
Enabel's collective effort to save lives Every day, 16 mothers lose their lives in Uganda due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth - lives that could be saved with the right interventions. Maternal mortality continues to be a critical challenge in the country, driven by delays in seeking care, reaching health facilities, and receiving quality treatment. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, an EU delegation, led by Ms. Karolina Hedstrom (Head of Cooperation, EU to Uganda), visited Fort Portal City to strengthen partnerships and assess ongoing efforts to improve maternal healthcare. During the visit, Enabel showcased its integrated approach to addressing these three key delays, ensuring that more mothers receive the timely, accessible, and high-quality care they deserve. Delay 1: improving health choices A major barrier to maternal health in Uganda is the lack of awareness and preparedness among young people and communities. Many women delay seeking care due to misinformation, financial constraints, or cultural beliefs. Enabel is tackling this challenge by driving behavioural change through various initiatives, such as the Life Skills Toolkit, which equips young people with the knowledge, adaptability, and resilience needed to make informed health decisions. Key achievements include: 250 teachers trained across 43 secondary schools 11,000 learners reached in Phase 1 training (2024) Plans to expand to 50,000 students in 50 schools by 2027 Additionally, Enabel’s Saving for Health initiative under the Social Protection project is enhancing financial preparedness for health emergencies: 15,252 members trained in savings for health UGX 602M mobilized as a Savings for Health fund 503 groups (8,066 members) actively saving for health Delay 2: ensuring timely access to careFor many expectant mothers, distance and lack of reliable transport can mean the difference between life and death. Women in rural areas often face long journeys to health facilities, with limited or no access to emergency transportation when complications arise. Enabel, in partnership with Babies and Mothers Alive (BAMA), is implementing innovative solutions to ensure that pregnant women can reach health centers on time. Two impactful digital solutions have been introduced to address this challenge: Family Connect: A digital system that engages 40,000 expectant mothers in antenatal care through SMS notifications for upcoming visits. Currently, 5,908 women are enrolled in the system from Kabarole & Kasese. Mama Rescue App: This app connects pregnant women to boda boda riders for safe, fast transport to health centers during labor. To date, 134 mothers have been supported through this service. Delay 3: enhancing quality care at facilities Even when mothers do manage to reach health facilities, a lack of skilled personnel, essential equipment, and emergency preparedness can lead to preventable deaths. Many health centers in Uganda struggle with inadequate resources, limiting their ability to provide life-saving maternal and newborn care. To combat this, Enabel’s WeCare Initiative is strengthening healthcare facilities and improving service delivery at Ruteete Health Centre IV. The WeCare Initiative has made a significant impact at Ruteete Health Centre IV: Skilled birth deliveries increased from 258 to 345 (2023–2024) Antenatal coverage rose from 56% to 73% The facility was equipped with critical maternal and newborn care tools, including anaesthesia machines, incubators, emergency crash trolleys, and foetal dopplers High-Risk Clinics & Birth Preparedness Plans were introduced, boosting emergency response for at-risk mothers from 0% to 80% Through these efforts, Enabel and its partners are making maternal healthcare in Uganda more timely, accessible, and of higher quality, ultimately ensuring that more mothers and newborns receive the care they deserve. Together, we are enabling change and working towards a healthier future for Uganda’s mothers and their babies.
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Enabel holds kick-off workshop for WeWork project implementation in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 04/02/2025
Enabel has launched the implementation phase of the WeWork project, a key initiative aimed at equipping young people—especially women—with skills for decent and green jobs. The two-day kick-off workshop, held last month, brought together partner organizations to align expectations, provide practical understanding of the grant agreement, and equip partners with tools for effective project execution. The workshop gathered representatives from Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Cordaid, The Uganda National Agricultural (TUNADO), VSF Belgium, TRIAS, Windle International, AVSI Foundation, Illes de Paix, PRICON and SwissContact—organizations that will work with Enabel to implement the project. The sessions covered key topics such as financial and narrative reporting, procurement guidelines, fraud prevention, and communication for results.Through interactive presentations, group exercises, and plenary discussions, participants gained a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The WeWork project addresses barriers to youth employment by promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), agriculture, and the green economy as viable career paths. By strengthening private sector capacity, enhancing productivity, and increasing value addition in key growth sectors, the project aims to train 20,000 youth, create or support 6,000 decent jobs, and secure employment for at least 30% of graduates within six to twelve months of completing training. The initiative is part of the broader Sustainable Business for Uganda (SB4U) programme under the Team Europe Initiative and is funded by the Belgian government and the European Union. Speaking at the workshop,Jan Hendrickx, the grants coordinator at Enabel emphasized a results-based approach to ensure the project achieves its objectives of supporting young people in skills development and job creation.Participants expressed their appreciation for the engaging and well-structured sessions, noting that the facilitators helped them grasp complex grant management concepts with ease. As the WeWork project moves forward, Enabel and its partners are committed to ensuring smooth implementation, effective collaboration, and tangible results that contribute to youth employment and economic growth in Uganda.
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Shakira is growing a poultry business for a better future in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 14/01/2025
Shakira Lunyolo started with just 10 hens, inspired by her friends who raised chickens and earned money from it. She learned the basics of poultry farming from them and received help to build a chicken house. In addition to her initial efforts, Enabel supported her with 30 more hens, feeders, drinkers, protective gear, a wheelbarrow, as well as chicken feeds and medicine. With this support, Shakira gained new skills, including how to mix and administer medicine to her hens. She now monitors the hens closely and takes good care of them. Her primary focus is egg production, and she plans to sell her first batch of eggs in early 2025. Shakira already has a market in mind. She will sell trays of eggs to local vendors, including those selling street food like "rolex" and chips, as well as at a nearby market. To attract customers, she plans to sell each tray at UGX 8,000, slightly below the market price of UGX 10,000. She also expects additional income from selling her older hens for UGX 25,000 each. Currently living with her mother and raising two children, Shakira is optimistic about the future. She believes her poultry business will grow and eventually allow her to pay school fees for her children and support her family. “I see my business expanding in two years,” she says confidently, full of hope for the opportunities ahead.
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Supporting each other in healthy living and business growth in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
The Kamuli Network of People Living with HIV, formed in 2020, is a group of 25 members—17 women and 8 men—dedicated to supporting each other. In 2022, they evolved into a savings group and launched a poultry project. Each member contributed a membership fee of UGX 10,000 to kick-start the venture. Starting with just 30 birds, the group reared and sold them, restocked with 50, and later grew to 300 birds. They initially relied on limited knowledge shared by a member but soon realized the need for professional guidance. After selling off the 300 birds, MUCOBADI (Multi Community-based Development Initiative) and Enabel stepped in to support them. The group received invaluable training in Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) skills, poultry management, and business skills. They also received practical tools and resources such as brooding pots, feeders, PPEs, two wheelbarrows, and a solar panel. Most importantly, they were given 817 chicks, of which they successfully reared and sold 801, earning UGX 9,688,000 in revenue. The poultry house they use was graciously offered by the mother of one member. Although the startup support gave the group a significant boost, they faced challenges, particularly with inadequate feed, which forced them to borrow money from their savings group. They took out loans totaling UGX 4 million to ensure the birds were well-fed. The group’s commitment is evident in their collective decision-making and willingness to contribute personal funds to sustain the project. With plans to restock another 800 birds, they aim to avoid further loans and achieve financial independence. A male member proudly stated, “Now we can see where we are going. The startup kit we were given has boosted our business a lot.”
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A young Ugandan fish farmer with big plans
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
At just 16 years old, Baraka Kintu manages a fish pond while also attending school. The pond was a gift from his father, who worked with the family to dig it. This was after their land suffered from water damage due to a nearby dam. Baraka’s mother takes care of the pond while he’s at school. The family has been attempting fish farming for 20 years but initially struggled. They collected small fish from nearby swamps, but despite feeding them, the fish didn’t grow well. Things changed when Enabel stepped in. They provided the family with 30 catfish and fish feeds. There was also a training session that Baraka’s mother attended on his behalf. The training covered proper feeding, pond management, and fish care. An extension worker now visits regularly to offer technical advice, and a vet helps treat sick fish by spraying medicine into the pond. Since the intervention, the results have been remarkable. Within just three days of receiving the new fish, eggs were spotted in the pond. The fish are thriving, thanks to better feed and improved care. Baraka’s family now plans to let the fish grow until they reach about a kilo each, ensuring a higher profit when sold. To protect the fish, the family is reinforcing the pond boundaries to prevent flooding and theft. Their neighbor, who also has a fish pond, installed security cameras, adding an extra layer of protection. The family now sells fish on the 23rd of each month but is currently holding off sales to let the fish grow bigger.The training also introduced the idea of frying unsold fish to preserve them for longer periods. With plans to fill their other dry ponds using the multiplying fish, Baraka is hopeful about expanding the fish farming business.
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Building a future with pig farming in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Joanita Nansamba started rearing pigs 8 years ago with a clear goal in mind: to save enough money to buy her own plot of land and move out of the one-roomed house she was renting. Her hard work paid off when she sold some pigs, bought land, and built a house where she now lives with her husband and children. In October 2024, Joanita received three pigs after attending a two-week training in Jinja. Through the training, she was guided on how to properly feed and care for pigs. “After the training, we were asked to return home and prepare to receive the pigs they would donate to us,” she recalls. Along with the pigs, she received 45 kilograms of pig feed, two spades, and personal protective equipment (PPE).Since receiving the pigs, Joanita’s farming has been progressing smoothly. “Even when the pigs get sick, I just call MUCOBADI, and they send a vet to check on them,” she says. She emphasizes that they were advised not to use just any vet to treat the pigs, ensuring proper care for her livestock. Joanita once earned one million shillings from selling a single pig that she and her husband raised. She believes that nurturing pigs until they grow to a significant size ensures better income. The foreign breed pigs she received from Enabel are of high quality, and she is confident they will bring good returns. Pig farming has given Joanita the financial stability to pay her children’s school fees without worry. She aspires to inspire the youth in her community by growing her farm and showing them that hard work and commitment can lead to success.
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Patricia foresees expansion of her poultry business in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Patricia Baluka, a 30-year-old mother of two, used to focus on growing maize and beans. She later decided to try poultry farming, using savings she had accumulated from a women’s savings group. Patricia saved money from selling her produce and eventually borrowed from the group to buy two local chickens. By the time MUCOBADI (Multi Community-based Development Initiative) visited her, Patricia had grown her flock to five chickens. She was then invited to a two-week training organised by Enabel in Jinja. After completing the training, Patricia received 50 chicks, which were three weeks old, along with essential items such as a wheelbarrow, a spade, drinkers, and feeders. “They asked me to prepare a place for the chickens, and by the time they brought them, I was ready,” Patricia explains. She appreciates the regular visits and veterinary services provided to ensure her poultry business is on the right track. Patricia rears the chickens for both eggs and meat. Her goal is to allow her hens to lay eggs and hatch chicks before she begins selling, ensuring she retains high-quality chickens for her business. So far, Patricia has faced minimal challenges, aside from occasional coughs among her hens. With the help of veterinary services, she has been able to treat them promptly. Patricia is optimistic about growing her poultry farm and is determined to build a sustainable business that supports her family.
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Bashir quit his job to concentrate on poultry farming in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Bashir used to sell electronics for someone else before deciding to venture into poultry farming. The idea came from watching his mother, who also kept chickens. To ensure the business was viable, Bashir conducted his own research and decided to use the money he had saved from a savings group to start. Starting wasn’t too difficult for Bashir since he already had a suitable space—an unfinished rental building he uses for free—and feeders and drinkers that his mother had previously used. With UGX 600,000, he bought 30 chickens, feeds, and medicine. Enabel later supported him with 60 high-quality chickens, more feeders, drinkers, and additional supplies like feeds and medicine. He now rears chickens for both eggs and meat. However, Bashir faced a major setback when 27 of his chickens died due to what he believes was food poisoning. Despite this, he is determined to keep going, with the remaining 33 chickens, including 7 cocks. Bashir plans to sell his entire stock, at a rate of UGX 25,000 per hen and UGX 45,000 to 50,000 per cock. After selling, he plans to restock and expand his business. Bashir is now confident in running his business. He has learned the importance of keeping proper records and tracking his income and expenses. “I feel my business is on the right track despite the setback,” Bashir says. He is now better prepared to handle challenges and is optimistic about growing his poultry farm.
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Building a successful beekeeping business in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
After finishing O-levels in 2016, Jamali Lwayi could not continue with school because his parents could not afford fees for him and his siblings. Determined to make a living, he chose to engage beekeeping as an income generating activity. This is because it is relatively cheap to start compared to other projects. Secondly, he had access to land at his father's home. He also had some basic skills in making traditional hives from local materials, which gave him a starting point. Jamali faced many challenges in the beginning. He didn’t know how to attract bees to his hives, so he visited experienced beekeepers in nearby villages to learn from them. With time, he got better at preparing hives and attracting bees using beeswax and propolis. He also learned how to transfer the bees safely to his apiary. In 2024, MUCOBADI (Multi Community-based Development Initiative) noticed Jamali’s work during a training session he attended. They connected him to Enabel, which trained him in business and entrepreneurship skills. These trainings helped him improve how he keeps records and tracks his income. Enabel also gave him a booster kit with items like harvesting baskets, honey filters, protective gear, honey buckets, and four modern hives. Three of these hives are now full. “Enabel has given me knowledge and better tools. I no longer fear bee stings, and my honey is now clear, which makes it easier to sell,” Jamali says. His biggest market comes from patients in a nearby hospital. In addition, he sells his honey to local supermarkets, traditional herbalists, and people in his village. Before getting support from Enabel and MUCOBADI, Jamali struggled with producing good-quality honey. His honey often had particles, which made it less competitive. Now, with better tools and training, his honey is clear and more attractive to buyers. A liter of honey sells for UGX 20,000–25,000, and half a liter goes for UGX 13,000–15,000, depending on the buyer. Jamali is now confident and focused on growing his business. He plans to expand his apiary and reach more customers in the future. With the skills and tools he has gained, his beekeeping business is improving every day.
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From healing to thriving through poultry farming in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Twegaite Youth Saving Group began as a safe space for women to address mental health challenges, focusing on psycho-social therapy for members who had experienced depression, domestic violence, and other hardships. Over time, the group evolved into a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), helping members save, borrow, and invest in small businesses like selling fruits, vegetables, and second-hand clothes. Today, the group has transitioned into a dynamic income-generating initiative, primarily focused on poultry farming.On October 10, 2024, the group received 350 one-day-old chicks from Enabel in collaboration with MUCOBADI (Multi Community-based Development Initiative). These were accompanied by two weeks' worth of feed, feeding equipment, and tools such as wheelbarrows, feeders, and drinkers. Vaccination, a critical aspect of poultry management, was left to the group to foster ownership and sustainability. “We don’t provide 100% support,” explains Isaac Keuber, an entrepreneurship and resilient officer from Enabel. “We intervene where the group is constrained, but we want them to take charge of their business for continuity.”The group embraced this responsibility, working under a structured schedule where six members (three during the day and three at night) manage the poultry daily. Despite losing seven birds, the group sold 353 hens—244 of high quality at UGX 12,000 each and 109 at UGX 10,000 each—earning a total of UGX 4,018,000 by November 24, 2024. The group also overcame logistical challenges like relocating from a rented space to a chicken house they constructed on a member’s land to save costs.Sara Kawudha, a group representative, shares their future plans: “We sat down, made a budget, and realized we need UGX 5,512,000 to restock with 500 chicks. We already have housing for them.” The group’s journey has been supported by tailored training in business and entrepreneurship, along with mentorship from business coaches trained by Enabel. These coaches, part of a Private Sector Model for Sustainability, ensure continuity by equipping groups with record-keeping and business monitoring skills. Twegaite is also supported by a network of extension workers and field assistants to minimize losses and maximize profits.With 27 women and 3 men, the future for Twegaite Youth Saving Group seems bright.
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Kamukamu group: saving together and growing tomatoes for sale in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Kamukamu, is a vibrant community of youthful farmers, transforming their lives through teamwork and tomato farming. Initially started as a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), the group decided to expand their activities to increase their income. They chose to grow tomatoes because they grow quickly, offer fast returns, and have a ready market.“We used to farm individually, but now we work as a team,” says Andrew Sande, a group member. “At first, some of us didn’t even want to hold a hoe, but now we are empowered and motivated to work together.”With support from Enabel and MUCOBADI (Multi-community based development Initiative), the group rented three acres of land and began their tomato farming journey in July 2024. They received training on modern farming methods, which included using organic manure and handling farming as a business. Following the training, Enabel provided them with a start-up kit containing tomato seeds, spraying pumps, watering cans, a water pump, a solar panel, and other essential tools. “The seeds we received are of high quality and weather-resistant, unlike what we’ve seen in the community,” Andrew adds.Every member contributes to the group’s success, whether through labor or financial support. Some members focus solely on saving, while others participate in both savings and farming. The group assigns specific garden tasks to individuals and tracks contributions, ensuring fairness in sharing profits. Enabel also assigned an agricultural extension worker to assist the group. “Initially, we did horticulture haphazardly, but now we have expert guidance,” says Andrew. The extension worker visits twice a week, offering technical advice and helping them tackle challenges.Tomatoes take 75 days to mature. The group estimates earning at least 60 million UGX from their harvest. They have invested 12 million UGX in the project, including 900,000 UGX for land rent.“We are confident because this tomato variety is high-yielding and expensive. It’s in high demand,” Andrew explains.Isaac Keuber, an entrepreneurship and resilient officer from Enabel highlights the importance of using organic manure.“It’s safer for the environment and more affordable,” he says. The group’s location near a swamp means they can easily practice irrigation, and thanks to the water pump and solar panel they received, it is now easier. “I am really happy with this group,” Isaac adds. “They are organized, cooperative, and committed. I am confident they will succeed.”
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Enabel strengthens road safety in Rwenzori and Busoga through defensive driving training for ambulance drivers- Uganda
Claire BALUNGI | 12/12/2024
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is at the forefront of coordinating emergency medical evacuations through the National Ambulance fleet, managed by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department. This critical service is deployed at regional referral hubs, health facilities, and health sub-districts to ensure communities have access to emergency care. However, alongside the expansion of Uganda’s National Ambulance fleet, significant challenges have been identified, including a gap in the capacity of ambulance drivers to safely and efficiently manage these specialized vehicles. Ambulances are not just modes of transport; they are vital, life-saving assets equipped to provide care during patient transfers. Recognizing this gap, Enabel has partnered with MoH to optimize the skills of ambulance drivers through a comprehensive two-week defensive driving training program. This initiative, focusing on practical skill-building, aims to strengthen the capacity of drivers to ensure patient, crew, and vehicle safety during transit. Dr. Marion Nakyeyune, Principal Medical Officer of the EMS Department at MoH, highlighted how this training directly aligns with Strategic Objective 2 of the EMS Strategic Plan 2020/21 – 2024/25, which seeks to increase the proportion of emergency patients receiving ambulance response within one hour while maintaining the highest safety standards. “Ambulance drivers play a critical role in road safety and patient outcomes during transit. By equipping them with defensive driving skills, we are safeguarding a substantial investment made by the Government of Uganda and its partners. This training ensures timely and safe patient transport, protects lives, and preserves valuable ambulance resources,” emphasized Dr. Nakyeyune.The initiative also underscores Enabel’s commitment to improving the overall functionality of ambulance services. Beyond safe driving practices, the training includes modules on vehicle maintenance, equipment management, and infection prevention through proper cleaning and handling protocols. These skills ensure that ambulances remain operational, reliable, and effective for their life-saving purpose. Reflecting on the program, Lillian Barungi, Public Health Officer in charge of EMS at Enabel, remarked, “The loss of a Type B ambulance in Omoro shortly after its deployment during our completed Enhancing Health in Acholi project highlighted the critical need for defensive driving training. Such incidents not only jeopardize patient care but also lead to significant resource losses. By empowering drivers with these skills, we are preserving lives, safeguarding assets, and advancing Uganda’s emergency medical services.” The impact of the training was evident in the reflections of Mirengo Nua, an ambulance driver from Kamuli General Hospital. “This training has taught me how to prioritize safety while on the road. I now understand the importance of speed control and defending the lives of my crew, my patients, and other road users. Maintaining the ambulance and ensuring it’s in the best condition for emergencies is also a responsibility I take seriously. I feel better prepared to drive responsibly and help save lives,” he shared. Through this collaboration, ambulance drivers across Rwenzori, Busoga, and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area are now better equipped to navigate the demands of emergency medical evacuations. With a clear understanding of road safety, vehicle maintenance and patient care during transit, these drivers are integral to achieving MoH’s goal of timely and safe emergency responses. Enabel remains dedicated to building sustainable health systems that prioritize safety, efficiency, and accountability in emergency medical services.
