Transport operators in Kasese District have been urged to stop overloading passengers and strengthen hygiene measures to help prevent the spread of Ebola following the worsening outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Health authorities say the outbreak has so far resulted in about 2,400 confirmed cases and 900 deaths in the neighbouring country, raising concerns about the risk of cross-border transmission into Uganda. The Kasese District Health Educator, Agnes Mbambu, said transport workers remain on the frontline of Ebola prevention because they interact with large numbers of people every day.
She urged taxi drivers, boda boda riders and bus operators to promote regular hand washing, provide hand sanitisers at their workplaces and discourage practices such as handshakes and hugging that increase the risk of disease transmission. Mbambu said the district has already conducted sensitisation meetings with transport operators to equip them with knowledge on Ebola prevention.
Transport operators say they have started implementing some of the recommended measures, although the restrictions have affected their earnings.
Jockus Matise, the chairperson of Bwera Taxi Stage, said operators have agreed to carry fewer passengers in line with health guidelines. However, he said transport fares from Kasese Town to Bwera have been increased from Shs10,000 to Shs15,000 per trip to offset the reduced passenger numbers.
Boda boda riders are also adapting to the new measures despite operational challenges. Arozio Kakozi, the chairperson of the Rwenzori Motorcycle Riders in Katwe, said it is difficult to install hand-washing facilities because of the mobile nature of their work.
He said riders are instead being encouraged to carry hand sanitisers, avoid carrying more than one passenger where possible, and report anyone displaying Ebola-like symptoms.At the Link Bus Terminal in Kasese, management says additional hygiene measures have been introduced to minimise the risk of infection.
The terminal manager, James Businge, said buses are disinfected and washed upon arrival before boarding passengers, adding that continued cooperation between transport operators and health authorities is essential in preventing the spread of the disease.
The Uganda Red Cross has also appealed to transport operators to remain vigilant. Charles Kalule urged operators to prioritise hygiene by ensuring regular hand washing and frequent disinfection of their vehicles throughout the outbreak. URN