Jane Kisha
The Uganda Professional Drivers’ Network (UPDN), in partnership with the Trucker’s Wellness Centre and Kawaala Health Centre IV in Kampala, is advancing HIV prevention, treatment, and support services for truck drivers and other high-risk populations along Uganda’s major transport corridors.
Capt. Gilbert Arinaitwe of the UPDF hands over free condoms to Mr. Ndugu and his team
The initiative aims to safeguard the health and wellbeing of long-distance drivers by addressing challenges associated with prolonged periods on the road, high-risk working environments, and limited access to healthcare services.
Recently, UPDN conducted an outreach campaign in Natete, providing a comprehensive package of HIV prevention and care services, including free HIV testing and counselling, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and free male and female condoms donated by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) through Capt. Gilbert Arinaitwe.
Mr. Mongo Ndugu, Executive Director of UPDN, said the organisation’s goal is to ensure that every driver has access to preventive healthcare services that enable them to remain healthy on the road while protecting themselves, their families, and communities.
Dr. Daniel Byamukama of the Uganda AIDS Commission noted that truck drivers and other mobile populations remain important groups in Uganda’s HIV response.
“Despite the availability of information and services, gaps still exist in awareness, understanding, and access to HIV prevention and treatment services,” he said, emphasizing the need for targeted and accessible programmes along transport corridors.
According to Mr. Kibalama, Coordinator at the Trucker’s Wellness Centre, the impact of HIV prevention interventions is already visible. He explained that client engagement has grown from serving only a few individuals to conducting more than five outreach sessions every week.
The centre currently serves an average of 2,687 clients each month, with more than 2,000 clients enrolled on PrEP, approximately 400 receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), over 21,000 condoms distributed, and more than 150 new PrEP clients enrolled.
Partners continue to strengthen the response through sustained collaboration. The UPDF has pledged continued support through regular outreach visits and additional condom supplies, while Ms. Maria Nkalubo, GHAI Country Coordinator for Road Safety, highlighted UPDN’s strong collaboration with the Ministry of Health in improving access to health services for transport workers.
Challenges
Despite progress, several challenges continue to affect HIV prevention efforts among long-distance truck drivers. These include declining donor funding, substance use among some drivers, and high-risk social environments around transport hubs and border communities.
Looking Ahead
UPDN plans to expand the programme to additional high-risk transport corridors across Uganda, ensuring that truck drivers and other mobile populations continue to access timely, comprehensive, and preventive healthcare services.
Through sustained partnerships, community engagement, and targeted interventions, the initiative aims to contribute to reducing HIV transmission risks and improving the overall wellbeing of Uganda’s transport workforce.