The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has handed over infection prevention and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) equipment to Uganda’s transport sector to strengthen preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The equipment was handed over on Wednesday at Nateete Transport Terminal through the Uganda Professional Drivers’ Network (UPDN), targeting bus operators, taxi park operators, truck drivers and other transport stakeholders who interact with thousands of travellers daily.
The supplies include infrared temperature guns, handwashing facilities, water container stands, liquid soap, hand sanitisers and disposable gloves aimed at improving infection prevention measures at public transport facilities.
According to UPDN, the intervention comes as Uganda continues to enhance preparedness against Ebola and other public health threats, with the transport sector identified as a key frontline in disease surveillance and prevention due to the high movement of passengers and cargo within the country and across borders.
“Public transport workers are among the first people to interact with travellers moving within Uganda and across borders. Equipping them with knowledge, hygiene facilities and infection prevention materials strengthens our collective ability to prevent disease transmission while keeping transport services operating safely,” UPDN said during the handover.
The organisation said thousands of passengers, buses and long-distance trucks move daily between districts and across international borders, including routes connecting Uganda to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, making the sector critical for early disease detection and public awareness.
Beyond the provision of equipment, the programme will support risk communication, community engagement, public awareness campaigns, community surveillance and behaviour change among transport operators and nearby communities.
UPDN said the initiative will also help safeguard regional trade by strengthening infection prevention practices among long-distance truck drivers operating along major transport corridors.
The organisation pledged to continue working with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Works and Transport, Kampala Capital City Authority, transport associations and development partners to improve public health preparedness within Uganda’s transport system.
