COVID-19: Uganda: Cargo Truck Drivers to have Protective Wear; Diversion off Designated Routes Banned

Uganda is taking firmer steps to manage the movement of truck drivers some of whom have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days.

Kenyan and Tanzanian truck drivers usually go through Ugandan borders only for their tests to be confirmed positive while on the mainland.

This has undermined the country’s strategies aimed at combating the novel virus.

Uganda has since maintained a lockdown, night curfew and suspended gatherings to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Resolutions from the Trade and Transport National Task force sub-committee meeting of 24th April, 2020:

The meeting has agreed as follows;

1. Have one driver per truck for all transit trucks. This will operate for the next 4 weeks after which the relay system for drivers will be adopted.

However, the ready transporters are encouraged to having relay drivers within different countries.

2. Have designated stop areas with a maximum 3 per route.

Route 1: From Kenya, Namboole, lukaya, Ntungamo/Ishaka, to the border

Route 2: From Kenya, Soroti, Kamdin corner/URA offices, to the border

Route 3: From Tanzania to Kampala, to Karuma,  Pakwach, to border

Route 4: To DRC, from Namboole to Mubende, fort portal then to Border

Route 5: to DRC, stop over at Ishaka to the border

3. All cargo in bound and out bound transit cargo trucks should follow the same journey management plan indicated above.

4. No diversions of cargo trucks off the designated routes.

5. All other previous stop points for cargo trucks (such as Tororo, Mbale, Lira, Kamdin corner town, Mbiko, Naluwerere, Lyantonde, Namawojoro, Sanga, Ruti, Migeera, Luweero among others) are all declared illegal with immediate effect.

6. All Agencies including Ministry of Health should operate 24 hours at Malaba, Mutukula and Busia

7. Reinforce border patrols and surveillance at all illegal entry points.

8. Freight forwarders commit to pay for testing kits. Modalities for the payment will be worked out between the private sector and the Ministry of Health.

9. Consider using Rail and water transport for fuel and other dry cargo. However, Uganda Railways Corporation should be supported for logistical needs including locomotives.

10. Domestic trucks should have a maximum of two people (Only have one driver and the cargo owner/representative of the cargo owners

11. Government should procure 5,000 more e-seals for the regional electronic cargo tracking system for URA.  

12. A Truck driver is required to have and use Personal Protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizers.