UMA applauds regional gov’t’s move to test Malaba border truck drivers at no cost
As the UMA, we commend the efforts undertaken to resolve the impasse at the Malaba border and remain unwavering in our commitment to championing our member interests.
Drake Nyamugabwa
Uganda Manufacturiers Association (UMA) has commended the decision of regional governments to test cargo truck drivers at Malaba border at no cost a move they say will go a long way in revolving the stand-off and backlog of cargo trucks being held the Malaba Border.
This decision according to UMA management was taken through a ministerial meeting of line ministries in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan.
In the ministerial meeting held on the 10th January 2022 it was resolved to clear the truck backlog within an ultimatum of 7 days to be followed with another meeting on 14th January 2022. “In an effort to resolve the stand-off and backlog of cargo trucks being held the Malaba Border, the Government has acceded to testing all truck drivers at *NO COST. The meeting resolved to: Clear the backlog within 7 days and border offices shall be fully staffed to facilitate this process and Schedule another regional meeting on the 14th January 2022 to discuss the way forward” reads UMA statement in part.
Drivers according to the statement with negative covid-19 tests shall be free to proceed while those with positive covid-19 results will be dealt with separately.
The Ministry of Health introduced a requirement for all travellers and truck drivers to undertake mandatory Covid-19 tests at a cost of 30USD before entry into the Country. This move, occasioned by the rise in positive COVID tests among truck drivers entering the country, has since been protested by the truck drivers, manufacturers and all business people given the added costs it puts on the logistics costs in the region.
