At least 135 truck drivers and related stakeholders have benefited from free testing, counseling, and preventive services for HIV, AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during a medical outreach held in Kinawataka, Mbuya, Nakawa Division.
Speaking on the sidelines of the medical camp on 3rd February 2026, Dr. Magomu James of Kiswa Health Centre III urged residents to take advantage of medical outreaches whenever they arise, noting that people live different and unique lifestyles that expose them to various health risks.
The medical camp was organized by the Haulage Corridor East Africa Professional Drivers Association (HCEAPDA) in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Its objective was to provide continuous and free medical services to truck drivers a population considered highly vulnerable to HIV, AIDS, and STIs due to their long-distance mobility and nature of work.
Dr. Magomu noted that Ministry of Health records classify long-distance truck drivers among the most-at-risk populations, emphasizing the need for sustained and targeted health interventions.
He commended HCEAPDA for the timely initiative, saying it has enabled more drivers to receive counseling, testing, and behavior-change messages aimed at promoting safer sexual practices and responsible lifestyles.
The Kinawataka-Mbuya Zone LC1 Chairperson, Seruwagi Monday, applauded the association led by its chairperson Muhwezi Stephen for organizing the camp. He noted that Mbuya and Ntinda host a large number of truck drivers who frequently stop in the area for cargo clearance at the Uganda Revenue Authority headquarters or while delivering goods across East African Community member states.
Seruwagi observed that once truckers park their vehicles, their presence attracts several business operators, including sex workers, food and beverage vendors, bars, and lodge owners, thereby boosting the local night economy.
Speaking at the event, HCEAPDA Chairperson Muhwezi Stephen revealed that a total of 135 people accessed free medical services during the camp. He said the initiative targets not only truck drivers but also other stakeholders who interact closely with them and are equally vulnerable to infectious diseases.
These stakeholders include turn men, cargo loaders, sex workers, food and beverage vendors, and lodge operators, among others.
Muhwezi added that HCEAPDA has so far conducted similar medical camps in Lubaga, Kawempe, and Nakawa divisions, where hundreds of beneficiaries have accessed free HIV and AIDS counseling, received pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs, condoms, and vital information on preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
He pledged that the association will continue organizing such medical outreaches to support this high-risk population whose unique lifestyle exposes them to life-threatening infections.
