PDTU & FAQ

“Today is a milestone for us here at Safe Way Right Way…….as we flag off an emergency response project that will provide Covid 19 prevention packages to heavy Goods Vehicle drivers in the border districts” announced Mr. Oliver Wells, the Managing Director of Bollore Transport and Logistics in his opening remarks on behalf of the Safe Way Right Board of Directors on 12^th August 2020.

The “Covid-19 Prevention for Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers” project launch that was co-hosted by Total Uganda Limited is aimed at curbing the infection rate of the novel corona virus among truck drivers. Truck drivers in Uganda have been met with unprecedented challenges since the pandemic. It is reported that over 60% of positive cases are of drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles and as such have been met with hostility from other Ugandans which has left the drivers stigmatised, demotivated and have at times felt unsafe.

The call by citizens to stop truck drivers from entering the country cannot be effected because the effects of such a move would be extremely devastating due to the economic value of the exports and imports in the sector.  To reduce the risk that the truck drivers are posing to the community “the Government has continued to work around the clock to ensure that the risk of infection and spread of Covid-19 within and outside cargo drivers is minimised …….I therefore thank Safe Way Right Way for coming out to support the Government in the effort to prevent infection among truck drivers” said Engineer Benon Kajuna who presided over the event representing the Minister of Works and Transport.

“Road transport continues to be the most important mode of transportation in Uganda as it carries more than 90% of freight cargo hence vital for delivery of essential foods, medicines among others” Said the CEO Safe Way Right Way Mr. Peter Tibigambwa. Owing to this, several partners swung into action particularly the Employment for Development Programme with support from the German and Norwegian Governments.   To comment about the support provided for the project, the Deputy Head of Cooperation, German Embassy said “Truck drivers are exposed to the virus more than other people and can be a cause of the further spread of the disease into the country. In addition, the enforced lockdown measures makes it hard for drivers to find proper accommodation, let alone proper washing facilities. Against this background, I am happy that we are funding this highly appreciated campaign to support truck drivers in their daily business and to protect them against the virus. This campaign, will help reduce transmission rates and will also help restore confidence in the safety of the transport sector.

The project aims at reaching 3500 drivers directly through the provision of prevention information materials both in audio, video and printed formats, face masks, soap, and jerricans. Through radio and social media platforms, the messages are envisaged to reach over 10,000 truck drivers from all over the country and beyond. The project is directly targeting truck drivers at the border districts of Busia, Malaba, Mutukula, Elegu and Pakwach.”

The CEO Safe Way Right Way adds that “providing Covid 19 prevention support to truck drivers is not a stand-alone initiative for Safe Way Right Way. The organisation has been providing professional Driver training to drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles since 2018 in an effort to promote road safety on Uganda’s roads.  So far trained over 200 drivers.”   

The much needed covid 19 prevention project for truck drivers is being implemented in partnership with Transaid, a UK  based transport charity, Uganda  Professional Drivers Network (UPDN) and the Amalgmated Transport and General Workers Union (ATGWU) who have been very instrumental in the project design and coordination with the drivers particularly UPDN and ATGWU.

Appreciation also goes to Safe Way Right Way Private Sector Partners and Board Members; Total, Bollore Tranposrt and Logistics, Tullow Oil, GP Advocates and Toyota Uganda