Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian
A group of 30 Irish drivers will kick off the New Year by undertaking a challenging 2,000km road trip across Africa to raise funds for a charity while delivering vital emergency vehicles.
The convoy will travel from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kampala in Uganda, carrying 10 ambulances and five fire engines donated by Japan to the Ugandan government. Along the way, the group aims to raise awareness and funds for Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU), a charity with strong Irish connections that has been providing compassionate care to critically ill and impoverished people in Uganda for over 30 years.
So far, the group has raised €75,000 for HAU, with a target of €100,000 by the time they reach Kampala on January 8. John O’Kelly, a steel engineer originally from Carlow and now based in Dubai, is leading the convoy. O’Kelly organized a similar mission five years ago, delivering emergency vehicles to Uganda. His involvement began through his friend, Willy Ngoya, a Japan-based import-export business owner.
John O’Kelly shared the mission’s significance: “Willy asked me to gather volunteers to deliver vehicles to Uganda just before Covid-19. One of the participants on that trip was my dear friend Ambrose Blaine from Co Mayo, who tragically died in a road accident three years ago. This journey is dedicated to his memory. He was a passionate supporter of HAU and Dr. Anne Merriman, so we decided to raise funds for this incredible cause.”
The convoy will fly into Dar es Salaam on New Year’s Day and begin their journey on January 3, with the goal of reaching Kampala by January 8, completing the mission by delivering the vehicles and the funds raised.
Fellow organizer Tom Doyle, from Tullamore, Co Offaly, emphasized the challenges ahead, especially as many drivers have no prior experience with African roads. “Many of our team are first-timers to Africa. It’s a remarkable undertaking, uniting people from diverse backgrounds to deliver life-saving vehicles and support a cause that transforms lives.”
Malahide-based Detective Garda Ken McGreevy described the journey as “an adventure” in aid of a noble cause. “This adventure is as much about the mission as the journey itself. Delivering these vehicles and supporting Hospice Africa Uganda’s inspiring work is deeply fulfilling for all involved. We are delighted to have members of the Gardaí taking part.”
Hospice Africa Uganda’s impact extends beyond Uganda, as it trains healthcare workers from across Africa through its Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care, spreading palliative care throughout the continent. Founded by Professor Dr. Anne Merriman 31 years ago, the charity has provided pain relief and palliative care to nearly 40,000 patients, many suffering from undiagnosed cancers.
Dr. Merriman, often referred to as “the mother of palliative care in Africa,” expressed her gratitude for the drivers’ efforts to raise funds. She said, “This support is a game-changer. It will allow us to expand our outreach services and help more patients in need. In Uganda, over 90% of cancer patients never access treatment due to cost or remoteness. Hospice ensures they have a pain-free, dignified end of life. This initiative beautifully honors our late friend Ambrose Blaine, a steadfast supporter of hospice care.”
Dr. Merriman’s career has spanned 33 years in Africa, including 10 years in Nigeria and 20 in Uganda. She was awarded an MBE in 2003 for her contribution to health in Uganda.
To help the group reach their €100,000 target, donations can be made through the provided link.
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