Kampala—2, June 2020: Public transport companies have been given a green light to resume operations after over sixty-days of ban. However, government has put a restriction on forty districts, banning all public transport in and out.
Some of these border districts neighbouring countries like DRC, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, among others are: Zombo, Arua, Tororo, Busia, Kasese, Moroto, Isingiro, Manafwa, Yumbe, Kitgum, Amuru, Kyotera, Rakai, Bududa, Pakwach, Lamwo, Ntugamo, Kabale, among others.
In his 16th televised address on Covid-19 in the country on Monday night, President Museveni said public transport may resume on 4, June 2020 in the 95 districts.
Mr Museveni directed that buses, taxis, mini-buses, a passenger train should only carry half of the passengers, while adhering to social distancing, use of sanitizers and facemask for all rules.
The Head of State said boda-bodas will remain for cargo delivery because the distance between the rider and the passenger is “too close”.
“Boda-bodas and tuk-tuks are agitating to be allowed to operate. This is irresponsible. We cannot risk the lives of our people for the sake of business. They are not even efficient,” Museveni said on Monday.
On education, he said: “We will not bite too much at the same time. Private and public transport opening has already unleashed many people in towns. Let us observe the results.”
He recommended that children must continue learning from through long distance using radio and TV, adding that education will rely on distance learning but there is an access problem so we are thinking of solutions.
By this, he pushed schools’ reopening for more 30 days for candidate classes and finalists.
Summary of Museveni’s address on easing the lockdown (1st June 2020)
1. Public transport is now allowed but will carry half of normal capacity including the driver and the conductor with effect from 4th June 2020. All passengers, driver and passengers must wear face masks
2. Brokers, taxi/bus touts, hawkers are not allowed in the public transport parks/ terminals.
3. Public and private transport is still banned in the border districts.
4. Bodabodas are still banned from carrying passengers until further notice.
5. Bars, saunas, salons, gyms, public swimming are still banned for another 21days.
6. International borders and airports will remain closed until further notice.
7. The School going candidates /finalists total to a number of 1.4m and government doesn’t have the resources to test the numbers for COVID19 every 2 weeks, in addition, day schoolers, school workers and teachers are still high risk because they oscillate between home and the school premises.
Therefore, Schools will remain closed for the candidate learners for one more month.
Government to pursue distance learning methodology (TVs, Radio, etc) for learners during the lockdown.
8. Curfew will continue from 7.00 pm-6.30am.
9. Churches and mosques will remain closed.
10. Political and cultural public gatherings are still prohibited until further notice.
11. Shopping malls will be allowed to open starting 4th June 2020.
12. Government issued face masks will be ready for public distribution from 10th June 2020.
Border districts will be the first priority for face mask distribution.
13. The biggest number of cases are South Sudan Truck drivers
14. Four thousand (4,000) persons were arrested during the lockdown, their cases are going to be reviewed ASAP and early release from jail may be considered.
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