Passenger trains resume operations in Kampala under strict SOPs
The latest update reaching the Mazima news desk indicates that passenger train services have resumed in Kampala following a reduction in COVID-19 infections. The move to resume the services follows President Museveni’s decision to lift the 42-day lockdown on July 30.
According to Deo Kyomya, the Uganda Railways Corporation commercial manager, they had deployed two trains to carry passengers along two busy routes. He added that two coaches will work during the morning and evening rush hours.
“We have SOPs (standard operating procedures) in place to guard against the spread of the virus. Each coach will have space for 65 passengers. No mask no boarding,” Kyomya said.
Kyomya explains that the decision to carry 50 percent of its capacity is aimed at reducing congestion, which is among the measures directed by Museveni to curb the spread of the COVID-19.
During the 42-day lockdown, public and private transport were not allowed to move following a spike in Covid-19 cases. In June, Uganda had an average of 1,000 Covid-19 daily cases but the number reduced to about 70 cases later in July.