Kampala — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with other stakeholders, has donated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials to transport sector stakeholders to strengthen Uganda’s preparedness and response to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The items, handed over during a ceremony at the Nateete Transport Terminal in Kampala, included liquid soap, handwashing equipment, bar soap, surgical gloves, awareness posters, temperature guns, hand sanitizers and reflector jackets.
Speaking at the event, UNDP representatives said the transport sector plays a critical role in both the spread and prevention of infectious diseases because transport operators facilitate the movement of people across the country and beyond.
“We have delivered WASH and Ebola prevention equipment to transporters, and we are delighted to support Uganda’s efforts to remain Ebola-free. UNDP remains a strong partner in supporting the Government of Uganda to implement the National Development Plan and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” a UNDP representative said.
The representative emphasized that transporters are frontline partners in disease prevention since they connect communities, including those in areas affected by Ebola.
Tony Tindyebwa, an Environmental Health Officer at the Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of community participation in combating disease outbreaks, noting that transport operators are essential partners in Uganda’s public health response.
“As the Ministry of Health, we leverage community participation, and drivers’ associations are critical to our success in combating diseases and pandemics. When they adhere to prevention guidelines, they help us achieve our public health goals,” Tindyebwa said.
He urged truck drivers, bus operators, taxi drivers and conductors to continue observing government guidelines aimed at preventing Ebola from entering and spreading within Uganda. He explained that the measures are consistent with the International Health Regulations, which seek to protect public health while minimizing disruptions to trade and livelihoods.
“The restrictions are intended to minimize losses. If Ebola cases increase, the country will spend substantial taxpayer resources on treatment, which ultimately affects the economy,” he noted.
Tindyebwa cautioned against complacency, saying Uganda cannot lower its guard while neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to battle the disease.
“We cannot consider ourselves safe while our neighbour’s house is still on fire. More than 1,800 Ebola cases have been recorded in the DRC, and those are only the confirmed cases. There could be many more undetected infections,” he said.
Representing the Director of Public Health at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Dr. Bulema Dennis Mike, Supervisor of Medical Services for Rubaga Division, commended the Uganda Professional Drivers Network (UPDN) for promoting better health practices among transport workers.
“As we know, diseases such as Ebola spread through the movement of infected people. The transport sector plays a significant role in either facilitating transmission or preventing it. This makes transport workers indispensable partners in disease control,” he said.
Mr. Kasule Apollo,the Board Chairman of Uganda Professional Drivers Network (UPDN), stated that truck drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers and conductors remain among the groups most exposed to infectious diseases because of their frequent interaction with passengers, luggage, tickets and other items handled by travelers from different regions.
“We call upon transport companies and managers of taxi parks and bus terminals to train their staff, display Ebola awareness messages in strategic locations and immediately report any suspected cases,” Kasule said.
He pledged that the association would ensure the donated items are properly maintained and effectively used to protect transport workers and passengers.
UPDN Executive Director,
Mr. Omongo Ndugu, the Executive Director of Uganda Professional Drivers Network, thanked UNDP and its partners for supporting drivers with essential protective equipment.
“Our work as truck drivers is challenging. Access to clean water at border points remains difficult, and healthcare services are often limited. With support from the Infectious Diseases Institute, we established a 24-hour facility at Nateete that provides integrated health services to transport workers. The facility has played an important role in responding to epidemics and pandemics, including COVID-19,” he said.
Omongo also expressed appreciation to the Government of Uganda, particularly the Ministries of Health and Works and Transport, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and other agencies for their continued support.
The donated supplies will benefit bus operators, taxi parks, truck driver associations and other transport institutions by enhancing hygiene standards and creating safer travel environment.
The initiative forms part of a broader programme supporting Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), public awareness, community surveillance and behavior change among transport operators and surrounding communities.
Through these interventions, transport workers are expected to play an even greater role in protecting passengers, their families and communities from Ebola and other infectious diseases.
