Uganda Professional Drivers' Network

Road crashes are no longer accidents — they are a national crisis. In the last decade, road deaths in Uganda have increased significantly, with thousands of families losing loved ones every year. Many of the victims are pedestrians, passengers, and cyclists — people who were not even driving. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Slow down. Stay alert. Save a life. #RoadSafety #SaveLives #UPDN

Mr. Patrick Mukonyezi represented @uganda_drivers at a Supplier Breakfast Meeting hosted by Q-Sourcing at Skys Hotel, Naguru, on Wednesday. The meeting, organised by Q-Sourcing and attended by its service providers, aimed at strengthening relationships between the company and its suppliers. Key discussions focused on setting clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and scoreboards, sharing success stories, reviewing supplier performance, fostering partnerships among suppliers for future opportunities, and enhancing networking.

SAFETY! It’s Friday, and the weekend has begun. With the heavy rains that have been falling since morning, many people will be traveling to villages, parties, and other functions. However, this is not the time for reckless driving or rushing long-distance journeys, including cross-border trips. During the rainy season, roads become slippery, visibility is reduced, and strong winds can cause trees, electricity poles, and signposts to fall onto roads, creating dangerous driving conditions. We therefore call upon all drivers to exercise extra caution, reduce speed, keep a safe distance, and stay alert at all times. Let us prioritize road safety, avoid crashes, and make this weekend safe for everyone. #RoadSafety #ArriveAlive

NOTHING FOR US WITHOUT US! UPDN is slowly moving towards achieving EMPOWERED DRIVERS SAFER ROADS. Today marked a significant milestone for DEREVA Livelihood Members' SACCO as we successfully convened our Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM brought together committed members and stakeholders to reflect on our journey, strengthen our governance structures, and set a clear path for growth and sustainability. From savings mobilization to expanding access to affordable credit for drivers, the SACCO continues to demonstrate the power of collective community-led and managed actions in sustainably transforming society's livelihoods. Key highlights included: Review of progress towards operationalisation and licensing Member engagement on savings, shares, and loan products Strengthening governance and accountability structures Onboarding our financial partner Centenary Bank, for automated operations, fostering accountability and convenience for members. Renewed commitment to financial inclusion for drivers This meeting reaffirmed our shared vision: empowering drivers through structured savings, accessible credit, and long-term financial security and retirement planning. We extend our appreciation to all members and partners who continue to believe in and build this great sustainability UPDN's vision and mission together. There is no way a Ugandan driver and or boda boda Motorcyclist will fail to raise and save for themselves UGX1,000 per day; all we lacked in the past was a platform that would organize and bring us together not for politics, leaders' individual interests among others but through UPDN and our organized members' Associations, we can now be sure of Sustainably strengthen our drivers and boda boda riders livelihood and Wellness while contributing to safer road users in Uganda. An economically empowered driver, living healthy and involved in alternative livelihood ventures are more likely to drive safely compared to their colleagues struggling with poor health and welfare are currently being evidenced as more risk prone drivers given the current safety records comparing corporate drivers against our friends in the informal (public transport-passenger and goods) as well as among our government and private owned fleet operators! This school of thought informs our daily baby actions towards achieving EMPOWERED DRIVERS for SAFER ROADS AND SAFER ROAD USERS. This journey can only be achieved by the drivers and our transport operators only, not the regulators and not the partners: NOTHING FOR US WITHOUT US #DEREVASACCO #FinancialInclusion #Cooperatives #DriverEmpowerment #SavingsCulture

UPDN WELCOMES CONSULTATIONS ON EPS AND SPEED REGULATIONS, URGES PROTECTION OF ROAD SAFETY GAINS: Following candid and constructive discussions during the consultative and validation workshop on the Fines Issuance System and Speed Regulations in Uganda, held at Grand Imperial Hotel, UPDN welcomes the engagement as an important opportunity to strengthen road safety, improve traffic management, and enhance public confidence in enforcement systems. UPDN appreciates the Ministry of Works and Transport for convening this important platform and bringing together transport stakeholders, policymakers, and technical experts to openly reflect on both the progress made and the areas that still require harmonisation, particularly around the Electronic Penalty System (EPS), signage, fines issuance processes, and public understanding of the new enforcement environment. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of a more transparent fines issuance system, standardised and evidence-based speed regulations, increased use of technology, and stronger public awareness and sensitisation on the whole EPS framework. These are critical reforms that must continue to be improved, but not weakened. UPDN therefore urges our drivers’ and transport operators’ communities in Uganda who are participating in these consultations not to dilute the already strong gains in our recently updated but later their full implementation temporarily suspended/paused including provisions in both The Uganda’s Electronic Penalty System (EPS) and Fine Issuance System (FIS) as well as the Traffic and Road Safety (Prescription of Speed Limits) Regulations 2024 due to a few public concerns currently undergoing further stakeholders' consultations. Key among already existing gains towards safer road users especially for the fact that SPEEDING continue to lead among reported causes of road crash deaths and injuries in Uganda are; The currently reduced speed limits from Max50 km/hr to Max30 km/hr in road sections where vulnerable road users highly mix with vehicular traffic, a provision grounded in scientific evidence and global best practice. Equally, the 70 km/hr provision for the Northern Bypass remains appropriate given the continued mix of motorcyclists and pedestrians along this corridor. The same applies to maintaining the Expressway at a maximum of 100 km/hr, as well as eliminating 100 km/hr from all other highways because of the risks associated with single carriageways, especially the severe consequences of head-on collisions. These are important and timely achievements made through the review of Uganda’s 2004 Speed Limits Regulations twenty years later in 2024, and they must be protected as part of the country’s broader road safety gains. At the same time, UPDN recognises that concerns raised around irregularities in the EPS system, including; signage gaps and the need for harmonisation, must be urgently addressed. However, these implementation challenges should not be used as a basis for abandoning Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) altogether. Instead, UPDN urges policymakers and our road transport operators to embrace this transition from a manual to automated speed enforcement, supported by clear guidelines, practical checklists, better signage, public education, and fair, effective, and efficient implementation. Uganda cannot afford to reverse progress. ASE remains a global best practice and is particularly relevant for developing countries like Uganda, where human discretion in enforcement has often created room for inconsistency and abuse. As many road users know, “Gambanogu” is itself part of the problem. UPDN therefore reaffirms its commitment to continued engagement, public awareness, and evidence-based advocacy to ensure that Uganda’s road safety reforms remain people-centred, enforceable, and focused on saving lives. #RoadSafetyUg #TofiiraKuKkubo #SafeSpeedsSaveLives #SpeedManagement #EPSUganda #TrafficSafety #RoadSafetyAdvocacy #SaferRoadsUganda #UPDN #MoWT #TransportSafety #AutomatedEnforcement

The Uganda Professional Drivers Network ( @uganda_drivers ), represented by the Program Manager and Board representatives, is attending the ongoing consultative and validation workshop on the fines issuance system and speed regulations in Uganda at the Grand Imperial Hotel, Kampala. This engagement has brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Works and Transport ( @MoWT_Uganda), the Uganda Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System ( @itmsug), Boda Boda associations, among others, to review and validate the Electronic Penalty System ( EPS) in Uganda. The workshop aims to gather input from transport stakeholders to ensure improved road safety and a fair, efficient enforcement system. UPDN remains committed to advocating for safer roads and supporting government efforts to build a more accountable and effective traffic management system.

Safety First! We had a productive partnership meeting with Mr. Nickson Ainomujuni from @NcoshaU and the Uganda Professional Drivers Network ( @uganda_drivers ), focusing on strengthening collaboration on safety initiative campaigns. The discussion centered on promoting road safety, occupational health, and responsible driving practices among transport sector stakeholders, especially professional drivers. Emphasis was placed on joint awareness campaigns, capacity building, and community engagement to reduce road crashes and improve the well-being of drivers across Uganda. UPDN reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with NCOSHA to advance safety standards, while Mr. Ainomujuni highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing emerging safety challenges within Uganda’s transport sector. This partnership marks a significant step towards creating safer roads and healthier working environments for all. #RoadSafety #OccupationalSafety #UPDN #NCOSHA #Partnerships #SafeDrivingUganda

Strategic Condom Access Expansion to High-Risk Transport Hotspots. On 4th March, we secured an additional 15 cartons (108,000 units) of ULINZI condoms and 10 dispensing units with support from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces ( @MODVA_UPDF). These commodities have now been successfully deployed across 10 high-risk transport hotspots selected from the 49 corridor-linked communities served through the @Centre4Truckers , Rubaga, Kampala. Our current weekly consumption stands at 8 cartons (57,600 condoms)—clear evidence of sustained demand, established trust, and a functional last-mile distribution system within transport and host communities. While the installation of dispensers in these priority locations marks important progress in strengthening structured access to prevention services, coverage remains below optimal levels. To reach at least 80% of our catchment areas, we still require an additional 47 condom dispensers to expand access points and sustain prevention momentum. The road transport sector continues to function as a critical bridge population due to: • Cross-district and cross-border mobility • Prolonged separation from stable partners • Limited access to sustained behavior change programming • High exposure to transactional sex environments Consistent, point-of-use condom availability in these corridors directly influences national HIV prevention outcomes. Sustaining a verified weekly demand of 57,600 condoms will require: • Predictable commodity financing • Expanded dispensing infrastructure • Corridor-wide scale-up of structured access points This is not merely a supply issue—it is a strategic public health investment aligned with Uganda’s 2030 HIV elimination commitments and broader economic productivity goals within the transport sector. Safe transport corridors mean safer communities—and stronger economic systems. If it’s not on, it’s not safe… YAMBALA.

On this blessed Eid al-Fitr, may Allah grant you peace, joy, and abundant blessings. As you celebrate, remember to stay safe on the road—drive carefully and protect lives. Eid Mubarak. #Eid #HappyEid #EidMubarak

Thank you, team @swico_uganda and @uganda_drivers Secretariat, for the continued collaboration...we continue urging @uganda_drivers members, road safety friends, partners and well wishers to always and only buy your 3rd Party Insurance from our partner @swico_uganda. Ever since they committed to contributing annually to our road safety work, whether they got clients or not that year; for now 4 years...they have unconditionally contributed to our road safety activities #tofiiraKuKkubo #twedeko #Arrive #Alive #TofiiraKuKkuboTwedeko

.@Centre4Truckers recently hosted the Marketing Manager from @swico_uganda in a visit that highlighted the growing collaboration between the two institutions. The engagement is part of a broader partnership aimed at strengthening community health initiatives and expanding outreach efforts. Established to help curb the spread of HIV and other related infections—particularly among truck drivers, a high-risk and highly mobile population—the Wellness Centre continues to play a critical role in prevention and awareness. Through this partnership, both parties are working to improve access to prevention services, raise awareness, and enhance the overall wellbeing of the communities they serve. In line with promoting safety beyond health, @swico_uganda also offers reliable motor vehicle insurance. Protect yourself financially by choosing SWICO Third Party Insurance—a trusted safety net when the unexpected happens. #RoadSafety #ArriveAlive #aidsawareness

CSO/CBO Coordination Meeting Update The @uganda_drivers Program Manager, Mr. Lawrence Tumwine, is currently attending the ongoing CSO/CBO coordination meeting at Hotel Eliana, organized by MARPI. The meeting is being attended by UKPC and other CSOs and is aimed at strengthening collaboration, enhancing coordination, and aligning efforts to deliver impactful community interventions, particularly in the health and development sectors. UPDN remains committed to fostering partnerships that improve service delivery, promote knowledge sharing, and advance sustainable, community-driven solutions. #UPDN #CSOCoordination #Partnerships #CommunityDevelopment #HIVPrevention

As we begin a new week, @uganda_drivers urges all drivers to exercise extra caution on the roads. Many roads across the country are currently under construction or undergoing repairs, and this calls for greater alertness, patience, and adherence to traffic regulations. Drivers who travel regularly from Monday to Friday are reminded to always check their vehicles and ensure they are in good mechanical condition before setting off. Proper vehicle maintenance plays a key role in preventing road crashes. Those driving long distances are also advised to take regular breaks and get adequate rest before continuing their journeys, as fatigue can greatly increase the risk of crashes. Road safety is a shared responsibility. Together, we can reduce road crashes and save lives. #RoadSafety #ArriveAlive #UPDN

The Compliance Team from The AIDS Support Organization ( TASO ) paid a monitoring and support visit to the Uganda Professional Drivers Network ( @uganda_drivers ) as part of an ongoing project aimed at strengthening coordination and building the capacity of truck driver associations to combat HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis in Uganda. The visit focused on reviewing the progress of project activities and strengthening compliance with implementation guidelines. During the engagement, the TASO team interacted with the Program Manager and Finance Officer of UPDN on compliance issues. Truck drivers remain a Priority Population due to the nature of their work, which involves long-distance travel and extended periods away from home, making them more vulnerable to HIV and TB. Through this partnership, the project aims to empower truck driver associations with the knowledge, skills, and structures that promote HIV and TB prevention among their members. UPDN reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with TASO and other stakeholders to ensure that truck drivers and transport communities have improved access to life-saving health information and services. #HealthForDrivers #HIVPrevention #EndTB #UPDN

Due to the ongoing rains that have persisted since the morning hours in Kampala, the UPDN urges all motorists driving within Kampala, those leaving the city, and those heading into the city to exercise extra caution on the roads. The continuous rainfall may damage road surfaces and could also lead to the collapse of electricity poles or road signposts, which increases the risk of road crashes. Drivers are therefore advised to stay alert, reduce speed, keep a safe distance, and prioritize road safety during this period of heavy rains. #Roadsafety #ArriveAlive #UPDN

Road Safety Alert In light of the increasing number of road crashes across the country, traffic enforcement operations have been intensified to promote discipline and safety on our roads. According to @M_Kananura, last week’s nationwide operations led to the apprehension of 745 offenders for various traffic violations. The most common offence was driving DMCs, which accounted for 330 cases. Other offences recorded included: • Riding without a helmet – 99 cases • Driving with invalid licences – 77 cases • Operating without a licence – 72 cases • Violation of traffic directions – 67 cases • Illegal vehicle modification – 53 cases • Dangerous loading – 47 cases As @uganda_drivers , we strongly emphasize that road safety is a shared responsibility. Every driver, rider, and road user must strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations to reduce crashes, save lives, and maintain order on our roads. ⚠️ We urge motorists to always wear helmets, carry valid driving licences, follow traffic directions, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. Responsible driving protects not only you but every other road user. Let us all prioritize road safety. Every life on the road matters. #RoadSafety #ArriveAlive

Our Truckers’ Wellness Centre (UPDN Dereva Wellness RSSS – Road Side Stop Station, Nateete) (@Centre4Truckers) marked International Women’s Day with a targeted Women’s Health Clinic Day aimed at expanding access to essential health services for most-at-risk women, especially adolescent girls and young women involved in sex work within the Nateete–Busega transport corridor in Rubaga. Through this free clinic day, we served a total of 172 adolescent girls and young women with integrated wellness check-ups and treatment services, including HIV, TB, STI and malaria screening and treatment, family planning, mental health support, laboratory services, and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) screening and care. Of those served, 37 were screened, found eligible, and enrolled on PrEP. Women working and living within the Nateete–Busega transport corridor often face significant barriers to timely health care. By delivering these services through our DIC-clinic / UPDN DerevaWellness RSSS model, this initiative strengthens early detection, prevention, and access to care for those most at risk, especially those not adequately served by the conventional 9:00am–5:00pm, Monday–Friday schedules of most government health facilities. This effort builds on the broader impact of the Centre, which currently reaches an average of 2,687 clients per month, supports over 2,000 clients on PrEP care, 400 clients on ART, and distributes more than 58,000 condoms weekly to reduce and prevent new HIV transmission within transport corridor communities and among transport operators. Between July and September 2025, the Centre supported 635 new PrEP initiations and facilitated 671 referrals to specialized services. During public health emergencies, the Centre has also demonstrated strong community response capacity, serving over 18,000 people during the COVID-19 response and reaching more than 10,000 people during the recent and ongoing national Mpox response. We are grateful to Reach Out Mbuya (@Reachoutmbuya) and IDI Makerere (@IDIMakerere), with grant support from Centre for Diseases Control (@CDCgov), and to The AIDS Support Organisation (@TASOUganda), with grant support from The Global Fund (@GlobalFund), for the current support that enables us not only to remain open 24/7 for our most-at-risk populations, but also to go the extra mile in giving back to our communities on important days such as this. WE STILL NEED YOUR SUPPORT: We continue to call upon those in a position to support us, including CSR actors and development partners, to help us scale up our minimum service package and sustain our growing daily client reach and impact. Support may be provided in kind or financially, including medical and laboratory equipment, medicines especially for STI treatment, waiting tent space, furniture, operational equipment, and strengthened support for night operations, among others. This support contributes directly to tangible community impact. We remain committed to ensuring that women and girls within our transport corridor communities are not left behind in accessing essential health services because of the nature of their work. Healthier women mean stronger families and safer communities. Happy Women’s Day to us all. #InternationalWomensDay #WomensHealth #TruckersWellness #CommunityHealth #HealthForAll #UPDN

At the @Centre4Truckers, we celebrate the incredible women on wheels and the dedicated healthcare workers who continue to support the health and wellbeing of truck drivers across our transport corridors. Your strength and commitment keep communities moving. #IWD2026 #UPDN

Happy Women’s Day. Let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women on wheels everywhere, and those in healthcare fighting for the well-being of truck drivers. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026 #AccelerateAction