Ugandans on Thursday morning woke up to almost empty roads with no taxis to transport them to their areas of employment and businesses, the majority were seen trekking long distances to the city center and their designated places of work to make ends meet amidst panic that the situation could even get worse.
The streets in most parts of Kampala are not as crowded aside from a handful of people seen moving and those operating their business.
Taxi and Bus parks, stages are empty with no form of activity in and around them. Boda Bodas however, and private cars have now taken over the roads although it is not business as usual for the Boda operators who seem to be riding solo, desperate for opportunities.
Roadblocks have been placed on major roads with security personnel camped at the roadsides to ensure no one breaks the rules.
This comes after a presidential directive on the ban of public transport countrywide for two weeks with an exception of Boda Bodas and trucks that shall be required to transport luggage only.
“The government has decided to suspend for 14 days, all public transport, including all taxis, coasters, buses, passenger trains, tuk-tuks, and Boda-bodas,” he said.
President Museveni in his address yesterday stopped this means of transportation saying these pose a huge threat to the country in the face of COVID-19.
“Private cars shall be allowed to move on the road but they shall not have more than three people in the car, including the driver,” he added.
The president also suspended the sale of non-food items in Markets but they should only deal with foodstuffs like matooke, sweet potatoes, cassava, rice, beans, peas, gnuts, beef chicken, fruits, vegetables among others.
Museveni also directed that public offices should work out the essential staff that is needed to remain on duty.
