Cabinet Resolves to Lift Lockdown without Public Transport

President Museveni addressing the nation from Nakasero State House (file photo).
The cabinet sitting Friday at Entebbe State House agreed to lift the lockdown but with strict guidelines, this website has learnt.

The cabinet was chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The President had tasked the National Task Force Committee together with professionals from the Ministry of Health to give him viable options that would let Ugandans go back to work but at the same time keep the public safe particularly at a time when Uganda has seen increased number of cases from Truck Drivers entering Uganda.

So far 143 drivers are among 202 cases Uganda has registered.

The Minister of Health, according to a source who asked not to be mentioned told cabinet that so far, Uganda would be COVID-19 free had it not been the truck drivers’ cases.

Dr Ruth Aceng said no community case has been recorded in the last 15 days following two Ugandans who tested positive on May 1, 2020 in Mutukula and Masindi district.

At a time of meeting (Friday) Uganda had registered 21 cases of truck drivers and later more 43 drivers tested positive.

The source however couldn’t ascertain whether the 43 new cases will affect the Cabinet Decision.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to brief the country on the decision on Monday night or Tuesday next week since the current lockdown ends Tuesday Midnight.

A separate source privy to Friday cabinet said that among the guidelines agreed on are keeping public transport closed while three people will be allowed in a private car.

Cabinet heard that it will be risky to allow public means considering that cases of truck drivers are emanating from the borders.

According to cabinet the growing number of cases of truck drivers were a threat to a full opening. In turn, they suggested that vital services be given leeway to operate as other measures are instituted.

In the new directives that the President will announce the following will stand out;

Public offices will be opened manned by lean staff who will work under rotation.

Markets and restaurants will continue to operating.

Public transport will stay closed while private vehicles will only have monitored movements till 8pm.

Bars and Entertainment places will remain closed.

Schools and colleges will remain closed as discussions on ‘healthier ways of of keeping the pupils and students safe are discussed.

Curfew will remain but with reviewed operational time.

Don Wanyama, the President’s Press Secretary when contacted said he was not aware of the decisons of cabinet.