282 pick-ups purchased from public donations towards the fight against Covid-19

Government has procured 282 double cabin pick-ups from Toyota Uganda to enhance transport in districts during the fight against COVID-19.

According to the health ministry spokesperson, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the pick-ups were bought using sh23.9b, which is part of the sh29b that the public donated.

A part of the fleet of the 282 double cabin pickups purchased from the COVID-19 response donation funds are in country.

The pickups will be used for surveillance, transportation of laboratory samples and follow ups. 

To-date, 121 vehicles have been delivered while the rest are in transit and will be in-country soon.

“Shipping for more pick-ups is underway,” Ainebyoona said, adding that those that are already in the country are currently undergoing registration and will be given to all districts soon.

According to the Ministry of Health , the National Covid-19 Response Fund Donations Committee with guidance from H.E. The President of Uganda, approved the use of the UGX 29.6 billion as follows; 

UGX 23.9 bn for purchase of 282 pickups (double cabin) for disease surveillance and laboratory follow up.

-UGX. 3.3 bn to construct a Blood Bank at Soroti RRH

-UGX. 2.4 bn for construction of Port Health Units at Cyanika and Vurra. 

Procurement of contractors for the Port Health Units and Blood Bank is ongoing.