Looking at my worn-out shoes reveals how much I have traveled within Uganda over the past few months. But moving on road from place to place in this beautiful country is no ordinary experience you could just pass your eyes over; from vehicles weaving through potholed roads to starting random conversations with strangers especially when using public means.

Public road transportation in Uganda is composed of taxis (Matatu), buses and motorcycles (Boda Boda). In this day and age when health systems around the world are stretched due to disease outbreaks, accidents and other public health challenges, I wonder whether regulation of public transport especially in my country could present a solution.

Buses in Uganda are reputed for transporting persons and commodities between cities or even across borders. They are preferred by long journey travelers because they are a little more organized and time conscious as compared to other means. It is routine for a long journey bus to stop at a designated point for passengers to have a snack and/or a bathroom break. This is where all sorts of street meat (not sure of the source at all) is sold, which the majority of ‘us’ find so yummy. Technically, I am not part of the ‘us’, I am just trying not to stigmatize anyone. “Hush now, name-dropping could land you into trouble with your classmates,” a still small voice just warned me.

The traffic jam during rush hours is unbearable. It would take any public health enthusiast months to discuss the effects of gasses emitted by vehicles struggling to move through this gridlock.

Boda Bodas are seemingly the quickest solution to traffic delays. These motorcycles snake through the larger vehicles that are stuck in traffic. Their style and speed defy both traffic laws and Newton’s laws of motion. No wonder the majority of casualties recorded in emergency rooms across the country are due to Boda accidents. It is at this point that I should assure my supervisors that I religiously wear a helmet whenever I ride a Boda, lest I lose my fellowship position. In fact, every time I think about riding a Boda, an image of a helmet flashes before my eyes. Am I safe now?

Daily commutes within cities are facilitated by Matatus. These mini vans are licensed to carry fourteen passengers but it is no surprise to be part of an eighteen passenger Matatu. In rural areas, you might share a seat with a goat or a sack of agricultural produce or have a couple of chickens occupying your leg room. This is a typical environment for transmission of zoonotic diseases.

On the bright side, a Matatu can be a hub for a catchy, entertaining conversation that quenches the stress of a work day – an important mental health attribute. Discussion topics range from current affairs to parenting. Yesterday, a young mother shared how her five year old argues that cows live in a refrigerator since that is where milk comes from every morning! However, the van gets so stuffy especially in the afternoon that you cannot help opening the window for some fresh air. You can visualize what a projectile vomit by an Ebola virus carrier could lead to. Perhaps I am just being too pessimistic?

 

 

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