Taxi Drivers ‘Mentally Ill’

Over 50% of drivers in Kampala are suffering from mental health problems, reports Richard Komakech.According to a psycho-socio research carried out by the Uganda Medical Association on taxi drivers around Kampala, a big number suffers from psychological distress.The research carried out by Dr. Eugene Kinyarinda in 2001, was done on 231 UTODA-registered drivers. “The majority of the drivers were above the age of 29 years, yet the law stipulates for those below the age of 28,” said Dr. Margaret Mungherera, the President of the Uganda Medical Association.She told The New Vision by phone that 75% of the drivers were above 29 years and had no formal education in any field.The research carried out in the new taxi park, showed 25% of the drivers did not own taxis and depended on driving for livelihood.Mungherera said the research showed that many drivers suffered from psychological problems because they were under pressure from the taxi owners to deliver big sums of money after the day’s work.“Many said they worked for seven days a week, and more than twelve hours a day because their bosses had very high expectations.“Their bosses tell them to park them (vehicles) when they fail to make the required amount,” the report said, adding, “About one percent of the drivers said they abused alcohol while others admitted they used drugs.”Ends