The ministry of Trade is set to identify designated stops along cargo routes where testing of truck drivers will be effected, with support from respective district taskforces on COVID-19. The designated stops will then be formally communicated to the truck drivers.
This was revealed by the Trade Minister Hon. Amelia Kyambadde during a press briefing earlier today. The minister announced a number of Standard Operating Procedures by the sector.
The minister said that all cargo owners will be informed to arrange standby alternative drivers in case any of the truck drivers tests positive for COVID-19.
Also, all security enforcement agencies in the respective districts will ensure compliance to SOPs and the ministry of health guidelines at the designated stops.
Hon. Kyambadde added that all trucks will be sealed to enable tracking by the Uganda Revenue Authority. “Border agencies are in place to enable expeditious clearance following ministry of health guidelines. This will ensure a stable supply of raw materials and essential commodities” she noted.
On the International Trade flows, the minister said it continues unhindered but Uganda’s exports have declined from USD 383.62 million in January 2020 to USD 353.91 million in February 2020.
Also, imports have declined from USD 711.99 million in January 2020 to USD 701.34 million in February 2020 and USD 593.79 million in March 2020.
Kyambadde says that essential items are coming in and border agencies remain available to facilitate faster clearance of both exports and imports. Similar, domestic production for a number of products such as hand sanitizers, face masks is being stepped up.
Cargo trucks carrying exports to Rwanda are allowed to enter through Mirama hills, but there are reports of denial of entry to Ugandan trucks transiting to Burundi.
“Initially, Burundi had closed its borders, but following a series of engagements they opened it. We will be engaging Rwanda at political level to allow Ugandan trucks transit to Burundi, after all we are allowing theirs to transit through here” Kyambadde said.
