Yusuf Abbas: The Taxi Driver Saving Lives
APRIL 8, 2024
YUSUF’S STORY
In the 1980s, Yusuf Abbas lived with his wife and eight children in Lira Town, approximately 64 miles from Lacor Hospital. Like many Ugandans, his job as a subsistence farmer allowed him to support his family.
He lived a simple life until one day, an obstruction in his stomach was found that required immediate surgery. Lacor Hospital was the only place in the area that could perform this life-saving surgery. He was rushed into the operating theater and underwent a successful surgery that changed the trajectory of his life.
Yusuf received quality care from a place he now trusts. "Lacor embodies goodness. There, oxygen is not sold, and nobody asks for bribes. During surgery, a cohort of 4-5 doctors collaborate seamlessly, a rarity elsewhere," he reminisces.
In 1983, Yusuf began working as a taxi driver, taking passengers to Lacor Hospital. He has a designated parking space in Lira where his clients meet him. Each drive to Lacor starts at 5 a.m. Because his passengers travel up to 186 miles to meet him in Lira from faraway towns, he welcomes them at his home with free meals and lodging the evening before departure.
"I host between 12-14 people every night. We depart at dawn. Most of them do not know Lacor so I bring them right to the gate," he explains.
Over the years, Yusuf has brought thousands of patients to Lacor and taught his sons to do the same. Most of his clients call him. "I don't know how they find out about me."
Yusuf charges a nominal fee of 13,000 Ugandan shillings despite prevailing rates of 20,000 Ugandan shillings (the equivalent of $3.41). Even then, he offers further reductions when needed. "My actions are driven by faith. Islam mandates benevolence to all," he emphasizes.
"I have been traveling with him ever since I started coming to Lacor. He takes good care of his customers on the way. He buys for us bread, plantain and sometimes maize," says Akello, one of the passengers brought to Lacor recently.
Yusuf is a well-known and respected man at Lacor Hospital. He is the only driver allowed to park and drop his customers at the hospital gate. Despite the number of years he has provided this service, Yusuf recently agreed to an interview. He hopes his story will touch the lives of others and inspire people to help without discrimination.