By Bogere Stuart

KIU, Main Campus - The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is set to address the country today Monday, May 18, to enlighten Ugandans on the government’s efforts in fighting against COVID-19 after the end of the third phase of the nationwide lockdown imposed in March.

The Senior Presidential Press Secretary, Don Wanyama said President Museveni will address Ugandans today to offer an update on government’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19. 

The 8 pm scheduled address will be preceded by a Cabinet meeting that will agree on the way forward as 14-day lockdown extension comes to an end, according to Wanyama.

Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni, over the weekend, through the Ministry of Information and National Guidance issued new directives to cross-border cargo truck drivers. According to the new directives, only those who test negative for COVID-19 will be allowed to enter the country. He added that "all Ugandan truck drivers will also have to undergo COVID-19 tests."

Previously, truck drivers were allowed to proceed with their journey after their samples had been taken. But they are now tested at the border and have to wait for their results in 45 minutes before they carry on with their journeys.

Before, when the results turned positive, the drivers would be followed up and be quarantined. If it was a Ugandan, they would put them on medication and if they weren’t Ugandans, they would be handed to their respective countries’ authorities.

The number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the country has risen to 227 after 24 people tested positive to the virus over the weekend, a huge chunk of these being truck drivers.