KAMPALA — A new study has revealed high levels of psychological distress among minibus taxi drivers operating in Kampala, highlighting a largely overlooked occupational health challenge in Uganda’s informal transport sector.
The research conducted by Linda Kyomuhendo Jovia, a medical doctor and public health graduate from the Makerere University School of Public Health, found that many drivers experience symptoms linked to depression, anxiety and stress.
The cross-sectional survey, which involved 422 taxi drivers across major city taxi parks including Old Taxi Park, New Taxi Park, Kisenyi, Usafi, Namirembe, Nakawa and Nateete, showed that 65.6% of drivers screened positive for symptoms of depression, while more than 70% reported anxiety and about 82% experienced significant stress levels.
Kyomuhendo said the findings highlight the heavy psychological burden faced by drivers who work long hours under difficult conditions.
“Taxi drivers are very important in Uganda’s transport industry, yet they seem to be overlooked in our society,” she said.
According to the study, drivers often begin work before dawn and spend long hours navigating congested roads, erratic traffic patterns and uncertain daily earnings.
Researchers also found that sleep deprivation, economic pressure and road accidents were among the key factors associated with higher levels of mental strain.
Drivers who slept fewer than seven hours per night were significantly more likely to report anxiety and stress, while those who had been involved in road accidents during the previous year showed higher chances of experiencing depression.
Economic pressures were also found to play a role. Drivers who owned their vehicles were less likely to report anxiety compared to those who rented taxis or paid daily remittances to vehicle owners.
Kyomuhendo noted that the mental health of drivers is not only an individual concern but also a public safety issue, given the role drivers play in transporting millions of passengers daily.
“If drivers are anxious or sleep-deprived, there is a risk they may struggle to follow traffic rules or respond quickly to hazards,” she explained.
Uganda’s transport system relies heavily on commuter taxis, with an estimated 400,000 vehicles operating across the country and about 15,000 in the Kampala metropolitan area.
The study also found that discussions around mental health remain difficult among many drivers, with stress often expressed indirectly through humour or casual conversations rather than open acknowledgment.
Kyomuhendo called for greater awareness, occupational protections and targeted interventions to address mental health challenges among drivers.
“Men’s mental health is a serious public health issue that should not be ignored,” she said.
The researcher said improving mental health support for taxi drivers could help strengthen road safety and improve overall well-being in the transport sector.
