Long distance truck drivers and the increasing risk of COVID-19 spread in Uganda

Bajunirwe, Francis; Izudi, Jonathan; Asiimwe, Stephen

Abstract Objectives To examine the patterns of COVID-19 transmission in Uganda. Methods We reviewed press releases from the Uganda Ministry of Health from when the first case was announced on March 22 up to May 29, 2020 a 10-week period. We obtained the press releases from the MoH website and the Twitter handle (@MinofHealthUG). Data include number of persons tested and the categories classified as international arrivals, community members and long distance truck drivers. Results The first cases were international arrivals from Asia and Europe and thereafter community cases emerged. However, in the middle of April 2020, COVID-19 cases were detected among long distance truck drivers. By May 29, 2020, a total of 89, 224 persons had been tested and overall 442 tested positive. Of those that tested positive, majority or 317 (71.8%) were truck drivers, 75 (16.9%) were community cases and 50 (11.3%) were international arrivals. Majority of community cases have been linked to contact with truck drivers. Conclusions The truck drivers are the most frequently diagnosed category, and have become a core group for COVID-19 in Uganda. They have generated significant local transmission which now threatens a full blown epidemic in the country unless strict controls are put in place.