Q: What are the main causes of fatigue among long-distance truck drivers?

Isaac Katabazi:
Traffic congestion is one of the biggest causes of fatigue. Drivers can spend six to seven hours stuck in traffic at border crossings before they even begin their journey. After enduring long delays, they are expected to continue driving, often without adequate rest.

Q: How does fatigue affect a driver’s performance on the road?

Isaac Katabazi:
Fatigue affects the eyes, brain, and body. When drivers do not get enough rest, they lose concentration, their reaction time slows, and their judgment is impaired. This significantly increases the risk of road crashes.

Q: How common is alcohol and substance use among long-distance drivers?

Isaac Katabazi:
Alcohol and other substances are widely available at truck stopovers. Drivers often start using them because of peer influence or boredom while waiting in long traffic jams. Over time, this can develop into a regular habit.

Q: What substances do drivers commonly use to stay awake?

Isaac Katabazi:
Some drivers chew mairungi (khat), coffee beans, or chewing gum to stay alert. Others consume alcohol or energy drinks. However, no stimulant can replace proper rest. When the body is tired, the safest solution is to sleep.

Q: Why do some drivers rely on stimulants instead of taking breaks?

Isaac Katabazi:
Many drivers work under pressure from employers and customers who expect deliveries on tight schedules. Constant phone calls and deadlines make drivers feel they cannot afford to stop and rest, even when exhausted.

Q: What are the dangers of alcohol and substance use while driving?

Isaac Katabazi:
Alcohol and drugs reduce focus and increase the likelihood of crashes. Long-term use can also lead to chronic illnesses and mental health problems. Among younger drivers, marijuana use has become a growing concern and has been linked to increased crashes.

Q: Have you witnessed crashes caused by fatigue?

Isaac Katabazi:
Yes. Fatigue-related crashes happen frequently. From my experience, many crashes that occur between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. are associated with driver fatigue.

Q: How are transport companies addressing driver fatigue?

Isaac Katabazi:
Some transport companies have strong safety policies. They provide mandatory rest periods, monitor drivers, and ensure they are parked during designated rest hours. These companies have significantly better safety records because they prioritize driver wellbeing.

Q: What role should law enforcement and government play?

Isaac Katabazi:
There should be stronger enforcement against alcohol and drug use among drivers. Driver leaders should also be involved because they understand the routes, the drivers, and the challenges they face. Education and awareness are just as important as enforcement.

Q: What practical measures can help reduce fatigue and improve road safety?

Isaac Katabazi:
Drivers need continuous education about the dangers of fatigue and substance use. We also need safe and secure truck stop centres with clean toilets, showers, and proper resting facilities. Countries like Kenya have such facilities, and Uganda should invest in similar infrastructure to support drivers and improve road safety.

Q: What is your message to fellow drivers?

Isaac Katabazi:
No load is worth risking your life. When you’re tired, stop and rest. Your health and safety are more important than meeting delivery deadlines.

The Causes, Risks and Prevention

Truck drivers play a critical role in Uganda’s economy by transporting goods over long distances. However, fatigue, alcohol consumption, and drug use remain major contributors to road crashes involving commercial vehicles. These factors impair judgment, reduce reaction time, and increase the likelihood of fatal road traffic collisions.

Driver fatigue is commonly caused by:

• Long working hours and extended driving periods
• Inadequate or poor-quality sleep
• Night driving and irregular schedules
• Stress and mental exhaustion
• Poor nutrition and dehydration
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea

Research shows that driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as drink-driving, and fatigue-related crashes often result in severe injury or death.

Alcohol and Drug Use Among Drivers

Some truck drivers use alcohol or drugs to cope with fatigue, stress, tight delivery deadlines, and long hours on the road. Others mistakenly believe stimulants help them stay awake, especially when rest facilities are limited. However, alcohol and drugs worsen fatigue and significantly impair driving ability.

Effects on the Body and Internal Organs

Long-term alcohol and drug use can cause serious damage to vital organs, including:

• Liver: fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis
• Brain: memory loss, poor judgment, reduced decision-making ability
• Heart: high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, increased risk of stroke
• Kidneys: reduced function and chronic disease
• Digestive system: gastritis, ulcers, and related disorders

Mental Health Effects

Substance abuse can also lead to:

• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Mood swings and aggressive behaviour
• Addiction and dependence
• Sleep disorders
• Increased risk of suicide

These conditions further reduce driving safety and productivity.

Prevention Measures

Truck drivers can reduce risks by:

• Getting 7-8 hours of sleep daily
• Taking regular rest breaks during trips
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs before driving
• Seeking medical help for sleep disorders
• Maintaining proper diet and hydration
• Participating in wellness programmes
• Adhering to realistic delivery schedules

Addressing fatigue and substance use among truck drivers is essential for improving road safety, protecting lives, and ensuring efficient transport operations in Uganda.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a major road safety concern in Uganda. The Uganda Police Force has reported that drink-driving remains one of the most common traffic offences detected during enforcement operations.

Under Uganda’s Traffic and Road Safety laws, police officers may:

• Stop and inspect suspected drivers.
• Conduct breathalyser tests.
• Require blood tests where necessary.
• Arrest drivers suspected of driving under the influence.
• Impound vehicles driven by intoxicated drivers.
• Escort suspected drug-impaired drivers for medical testing.Legal PenaltiesUganda’s Traffic and Road Safety Act criminalizes:
• Driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Driving under the influence of prohibited drugs.
• Driving with blood alcohol concentration above the prescribed legal limit.The law requires a zero-alcohol limit for drivers of:
  • Public service vehicle drivers.
  • Taxi drivers.
  • Boda boda riders.
  • Drivers of government vehicles.
  • Tourist vehicle operators.
  Violation may attract:
  • A fine of up to UGX 4 million.
  • Imprisonment for up to two years.
  • Or both a fine and imprisonment.
  Vehicle ImpoundmentPolice may impound a vehicle where:
• The driver’s blood alcohol concentration exceeds the prescribed limit.
• The driver is under the influence of prohibited drugs.
• The vehicle may only be released after compliance with legal requirements, including payment of applicable fines and charges.Why Enforcement MattersAlcohol and drug impairment reduces reaction time, concentration, coordination, and judgment, making crashes more likely. Strong enforcement by the Uganda Police Force helps deter dangerous behaviour and protect all road users.The Uganda Police Force continues to strengthen enforcement against drink and drug driving through breathalyser testing, vehicle impoundment, arrests, and prosecution. Drivers are encouraged to avoid alcohol and drugs entirely before driving and to comply with all road safety regulations to protect lives and avoid legal penalties.