PML Daily CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: FDC calls for border closure to contain Covid-19

FDC party president Patrick Amuriat has advised total closure of all Uganda borders in wake of coronavirus+PHOTO/File).

KAMPALA – Opposition Forum For Democratic Change (FDC) party has called for the closure of all borders to stop the spread of coronavirus.

According to FDC, Ugandans are suffering for nothing when the positive cases are being brought into the country by truck drivers.

“Ugandans have paid heavily through having to shut down their businesses and other means of income bringing, misery and serious social disruption to their lives,” FDC president Patrick Amuriat said in a statement issued on Monday, 18 May 2020.

He said closure of the border will not lead to the collapse of the economy as claimed by President Museveni.

“We have heard Mr. Museveni stating in what have now become his monotonous addresses to the Nation that it would be suicidal to stop trucks carrying goods into or through the country and yet on the other hand saying he is not worried about the economy after COVID-19,” Mr Amuriat said.

“What is suicidal about stopping cargo going through Ugandan territory to South Sudan and Rwanda? Did the economy collapse when Rwanda closed her border with Uganda or did this happen when the war in South Sudan stopped trucks crossing the common border. Of what use is it to keep the economy surviving while Ugandans die from the effects of COVID-19?” he added.

Mr Amuriat also asked the private sector to reject a call by government to have each Ugandan contribute Shs10,000 to the fight against COVID-19 describing the move as obscene and insensitive to the already suffering poor Ugandans.

“Already 8.847 trillion (USD 2.328 billion) has been collected by government through donations and loans from Western governments and institutions to fight COVID-19. Additionally the National Response Fund has collected nearly UGX30billion (USD 8m) and 50 4×4 double cabin pickups in donations from well wishers, but despite all this huge amount our people continue to starve in their houses without food and cannot access medical care. Where is the accountability for money that you have already collected? Ugandans have demanded accountability for these funds to no avai.