KAMPALA/NAIROBI – Kenya and Uganda have adopted new measures that will be followed by cross border truck drivers in a bid to control further spread of coronavirus among the group.
For Uganda, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 on Friday resolved among others that each transit truck will one driver.
“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,” the resolution reads in part.
In the same vein, it was resolved that truck drivers 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)”
The taskforce further resolved that all cargo in bound and out bound transit cargo trucks should follow the same journey management plan indicated above.
There will be No diversions of cargo trucks off the designated routes, and 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.
It was further agreed that all Agencies including Ministry of Health should operate 24 hours at Malaba, Mutukula and Busia
It was also agreed that government reinforces border patrols and surveillance at all illegal entry points.
That Freight forwarders commit to pay for testing kits and Modalities for the payment will be worked out between the private sector and the MoH.
“Consider using Rail and water transport for fuel and other dry cargo. However, URC should be supported for logistical needs including locomotives,” the resolution reads.
It was also resolved that domestic trucks should have a maximum of two people (Only have one driver and the cargo owner/representative of the cargo owner)
“Government should procure 5000 more e-seals for the regional electronic cargo tracking system for URA. A Truck driver is required to have and use Personal Protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizers,” the resolution adds.
President Museveni is expected to announce the new measures in his Tuesday address.
For Kenya, the country’s revenue authority announced that All cargo trucks crossing the international land border points shall have a maximum of three crew, Screening of cargo crew at the border points by Port Health Officials shall be mandatory and the cargo trucks shall be fumigated at the International Border Crossing.
There shall be designated hotels and/or lodges for the cargo crew, Sanitizers, disinfectants and clean running water shall be available to enhance hygiene and mitigate against the risks of infection and Border points shall operate in line with National Government directives.
