Kamwenge District Boda Boda Riders Association Chairperson, Byamukama Erick Young, has launched a sensitization campaign urging motorcycle taxi riders to take responsibility for their health by avoiding risky sexual behavior.
He emphasized the importance of abstinence or using protection to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS.
Byamukama’s campaign comes in the wake of the withdrawal of funding from the United States through USAID, which has been supporting HIV patients in Uganda.
The funding cut is expected to affect the operations of The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), a key supplier of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to people living with HIV.
Speaking to journalists at his office in Kamwenge Town Council, Byamukama expressed concern that boda boda riders are particularly vulnerable to STDs due to risky behaviors.
“Many of our riders are young men who often engage in careless lifestyles. I want to urge them to take their health seriously. Abstain if you can, and if not, always use protection,” he advised.
He further noted that the reduction in ARV supply could have severe consequences for those already living with HIV.
“We cannot rely on external support forever. We must take responsibility for our actions and ensure we protect ourselves and our families from these diseases,” he added.
Byamukama called upon local leaders and health officials to intensify efforts in educating the youth about the dangers of unprotected sex and the importance of regular health check-ups.
He also encouraged boda boda riders to support one another in making informed decisions about their well-being.
Riders who attended the meeting welcomed the initiative, saying it was a wake-up call to many.
“We sometimes take things lightly, but hearing this from our leader makes us realize the seriousness of the issue. We need to change our ways,” said one of the riders.
With the uncertainty surrounding TASO’s operations, Byamukama urged the government and other stakeholders to step in and find alternative solutions to ensure continued support for HIV patients.
“While we advocate for prevention, those already living with the virus must not be abandoned. We need a sustainable plan to provide ARVs and other essential health services,” he concluded.
