This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
As of June 9, 2020, a system failure at the Uganda's clearance side has been causing delays for trucks crossing over, sparking concerns among locals about the potential spread of the coronavirus in the area.
Busia County officials are now calling on the national government to intervene and clear the traffic snarl-up, which has been ongoing for five days.
The traffic congestion stretches over 13 kilometers from the Busia border point, with locals worried that the prolonged stay of truck drivers in the community could overwhelm the county's health system, which is already struggling to cope with coronavirus cases.
With the situation at the county level, officials fear that it is only a matter of time before community infections escalate.
Busia County has partnered with various organizations to conduct random testing of locals to determine the spread of the virus.
