KAMPALA — The Ministry of Health has confirmed one new case of COVID-19 in Uganda out of the 1,533 samples tested today Friday April 20, 2020 at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).
The new case is a 43 year-old Ugandan male truck driver who arrived back in the country from Kenya via Malaba border, Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Director General, health services said.
The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country now stands at 75.
Of the samples, 1,116 were from truck drivers at the border points of entry while the 417 were from contacts in the community.
In a press statement, the ministry of health said the new patient didn’t have any signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
The health ministry is currently testing all truck drivers (cargo transporters) for COVID-19 who came into the country via the various points of entry.
President Museveni earlier in the day hinted on the disturbing issue of truck drivers especially from Kenya and Tanzania who have proved a weak link for Uganda, with the public getting agitated about them.
“There are three issues the ministers are discussing; testing these people before they come and the drivers wait for results before they proceed. We need the goods to come in but at the same time we don’t want the disease,” he said, saluting Ugandans for obeying guidelines.
“I am very glad about the response of the Ugandans,” said the President, noting;
“I have been discussing with our scientists and they are sure a vaccine can be developed”.
