Drivers and boda boda riders in the Lango sub-region are set to benefit from a free three-day eye screening outreach aimed at improving road safety and addressing vision-related challenges among motorists.
The exercise, organized by Amolatar Taxi Stage Uhuru Bar in partnership with Lira Regional Referral Hospital, will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run from Tuesday to Thursday.
Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday, Kizito Okao, who also serves as the North Kyoga regional coordinator for defensive driving, encouraged drivers across the region to participate in the initiative.
“This service is completely free for all drivers in Lango. We urge everyone to turn up in large numbers and take advantage of this opportunity,” Okao said. He stressed that good eyesight plays a vital role in defensive driving and reducing road accidents, while also urging motorists to follow traffic regulations at all times.
According to Isaac Ekwan, the outreach is being conducted through a partnership involving the Sabah Foundation and the hospital’s Eye Care Department. “We are implementing a spectacle project through eye screening services in partnership with Sabah Foundation. The exercise will run from Tuesday to Thursday,” Ekwan explained.
The screenings will take place at the Taxi Drivers Association offices at Uhuru Bar, where leaders have been mobilizing drivers since last week.
Ekwan noted that the outreach forms part of a broader community eye health campaign that recently included a similar screening exercise at the central prison, where inmates were examined for eye-related conditions.
Organizers expect to screen at least 300 drivers and boda boda riders during the three-day campaign. Individuals found with reading difficulties or poor eyesight will receive free prescription spectacles, while those diagnosed with other eye conditions will be referred for further treatment and medication.
“The people who qualify for reading spectacles will receive them free of charge. Others with different eye conditions will be advised and treated accordingly,” Ekwan added.
He further emphasized the importance of regular eye check-ups for drivers, noting that clear vision is essential for safe driving and obtaining valid driving permits.
“Many drivers spend most of their time on the road and rarely get time to visit hospitals for eye examinations. Through our ‘Park and Stage’ program, we are bringing services directly to their workplaces instead of waiting for them to come to the hospital,” he said.
Organizers say all preparations have been finalized to ensure the smooth running of the exercise and have appealed to drivers across the region to participate actively.
Drivers seeking more information have been advised to contact the Amolatar Taxi Stage management or report directly to Uhuru Bar during the screening days.
