Much as it has become clear that truck drivers are the main carriers of COVID-19, President Yoweri Museveni has maintained that Uganda needs the trucks coming until railway transport is functional.
While addressing the nation on June 1 about the measures in place to check the spread of Coronavirus disease, the President said said trucks bring in the much needed goods for the economy to function.
The truck drivers come through the major border points of Malaba, Busia, Elegu, Mutukula, Katuna and Mirama Hills. After Malaba, the epicentre of positive cases seems to be Elegu which is recording the highest number of infections among the drivers.
In order to manage the new infections coming through Elegu border point, President Museveni said: “Truck drivers operating within South Sudan have been strictly warned against carrying passengers in South Sudan. Government is working with that of South Sudan and will be prosecuting Ugandan drivers who go against this guideline.
“Truckers are strictly prohibited against carrying passengers and making unauthorized stopovers. Government is making arrangements to provide makeshift stopping points where truckers can access food and refreshments.
By May 31, 2020, Uganda had recorded 457 cases of Coronavirus, 72 recoveries and no deaths has so far been recorded. Out of the 457 cases, 277 are Ugandan truck drivers and 235 of these are Ugandans operating in South Sudan.
Medics test positive: On May 30, seven frontline health workers tested positive for COVID-19. These included 3 nurses, 2 doctors and 2 senior level staff.
Private transport: As lockdown measures are getting relaxed, private transport has been allowed to resume. However, a car must carry a maximum of three people who must be wearing masks at all times.
Redefining the CFO Role in Oil and Gas: Inside How UNOC’s Emmanuel Mugagga Is Executing Strategy for National ImpactPublic transport: Buses, passenger trains and taxis will resume operations on June 4th 2020. “In addition to carrying half capacity, all passengers, conductors and drivers must wear masks at all times,” President Museveni said.
Stand-alone shops will operate, alongside shopping malls while shopping arcades will wait a little longer.
“We have therefore decided to postpone the opening of school for the candidate learners for another one month,” the President said
Boda bodas are not supposed to carry passengers as yet. They will transport luggage only.
Hotels and restaurants will be allowed to re-open as long as they observe ministry of health guidelines to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Highlights of the June 1 president’s speech
- Public transport allowed to resume on June 4th 2020 but will operates at half capacity
- Private and public transport in border districts still prohibited
- Boda bodas cannot carry passengers until further notice
- Airports and international borders remain closed to passengers until further notice
- Shopping malls allowed to open on June 4th and follow guidelines while arcades stay closed
- Bars, saunas, gyms, public swimming areas remain closed for another 21 days
- Churches and mosques remain closed
- Political and cultural gatherings still prohibited
- Schools still closed for candidate learners for another month
- Government to initiative distance learning through radios and on television
- Curfew still in place between 7.00pm and 6.30am
- Border districts priority in face mask distribution
