A new study from Makerere University School of Public Health has revealed alarmingly high levels of psychological distress among minibus taxi drivers in Kampala, highlighting an overlooked occupational health crisis in Uganda’s informal transport sector.

Conducted by medical doctor and Master of Public Health graduate Dr. Linda Kyomuhendo Jovia as part of her dissertation, the cross-sectional survey involved 422 drivers from seven major taxi parks: Old Taxi Park, New Taxi Park, Kisenyi, Usafi, Namirembe, Nakawa, and Nateete.

Participants completed structured interviews covering socio-demographics, work conditions, lifestyle, health, and environment.

Mental health symptoms were assessed using the validated Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Key findings include:

• 65.6% screened positive for symptoms of depression.
• More than 70% reported symptoms of anxiety.
• Approximately 82% experienced significant stress.

Dr. Kyomuhendo emphasized the human element: “They are important in Uganda’s transport industry. Yet they seem to be overlooked in our society.” She added: “Men’s mental health is a serious public health issue that should not be ignored.”

Major contributing factors identified:

• Long working hours starting before sunrise, often in heavy traffic.
• Financial pressures, including daily remittances to vehicle owners, maintenance costs, and annual levies up to UGX 720,000.
• Chronic sleep deprivation (many get fewer than seven hours per night), strongly linked to higher anxiety and stress.
• Exposure to road accidents, significantly increasing depression risk.
• Lack of vehicle ownership (renters or those paying remittances showed higher anxiety levels).

The study notes that drivers often mask their struggles through humor or casual references due to stigma, rarely seeking formal help.

Broader implications are concerning for public safety: “If drivers are anxious or sleep-deprived, there is a risk they may struggle to follow traffic rules or respond quickly to hazards,” Dr. Kyomuhendo warned.

The research calls for increased awareness of men’s mental health, stronger occupational protections, and intervention from health authorities, transport regulators, and policymakers.

Driver well-being should be treated as both a public health priority and a transport policy issue to support safer roads and better conditions in the sector, where around 400,000 commuter taxis move millions daily.

The findings, published in mid-March 2026, underscore the need for targeted support programs, reduced stigma, and systemic changes to address the hidden toll on Kampala’s essential transport workforce.