Kenya's border with Uganda could be shut after a section of Ugandan MPs asked their government to take serious action to curb further spread of Covid-19 in the country.
President Yoweri Museveni also raised concern after reports that Kenyan truck drivers could be exporting Coronavirus to Uganda.
"We started at the airport and we are now shifting to land borders. Tests have shown that we have problems with the truck drivers and at this very moment, the Minister of Health is meeting line ministers of the different East African Countries to map a way forward.
"We want to test these drivers before they come here. They should only be allowed to move when the results are released. I will detailedly address this matter on Tuesday (April 28)," Museveni announced.
PML Daily, a publication by the country's legislative house on the evening of Friday, April 24 stated that the protest by Members of Parliament was sought after 5 truck drivers from Kenya tested positive for the virus.
West Budma County North (Tororo District) MP Jackson Oboth-Oboth led the charge in protest, arguing that Ugandans living at the border areas were most vulnerable, further alleging that the truck drivers have relatives in those areas, with whom they interact.
He asked the government to only allow the drivers into the country unless and only if they have tested negative for the virus, and their status ascertained.
“We are at danger from the border of Busia, Malaba and Katuna. For how long shall we wait? Can’t the government find a solution to have these truck drivers come and stay at a place, test them and let them go after knowing their results?
"Alternatively, can’t the government install rapid testing equipment in these places. We are endangering Ugandans,” Oboth stated.
The move by parliament was preceded by a prior call to completely lock the Kenyan border.
On April 24, the country's Ministry of Health announced 20 new cases in the country, taking their total tally of confirmed cases to 74. 11 of the 20, were truck drivers with the remainder, persons who interacted with them.
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija informed the house that measures to update their citizens on new ways to curb further spread of the virus in border areas was underway.
He told the MPs that the government was aware of the new developments regarding Covid-19 in the country but was a matter had of both diplomatic and economic impact.
“There are diplomatic issues, there are business issues. I want to assure this House that by Monday, we shall be able to come out and tell the country how this matter shall be sorted out. I can’t go into details, we are yet to consult many people including across the border, but the concern of Parliament is the concern of the Executive.
"We need to find a solution but without necessarily killing ourselves without knowing," Kasaija pronounced.
Uganda is currently under lockdown following a 21-day extension by President Yoweri Museveni on April 14, 2020.
