Covid-19: Uganda Closes Border with Kenya

SUNDAY MARCH 22 2020

Trading at Malaba, the Kenya-Uganda border. Uganda has closed the border over coronavirus fears. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP coronavirus, Malaba border

In Summary
Mr Oketch said health officers are stationed at the border to screen and sensitise residents on safety tips.

By BRIAN OJAMAA

Uganda on Sunday closed its border with Kenya at Malaba after confirming its first positive coronavirus case, leaving commuters and truck drivers stranded.

Most Kenyan traders - who fetch goods from Uganda - complained that they had been caught unawares.

Kenya is yet to close its borders, only directing arrivals to self-quarantine and obey other precautionary steps.

Tracking coronavirus

Malaba-based Immigration boss Francis Oketch said they are on high alert. "We have not closed our border, but Ugandan police officers are not allowing anyone to enter their country," he told the Nation.

Mr Oketch said health officers are stationed at the border to screen and sensitise residents on safety tips. He added that an isolation centre had been set up.

Boutique owner Ken Okoit said he has had to close down. Also shut down is Lwakhakha border point.