Kenyan National Elopes After Testing Positive for Covid-19 in Uganda

Ugandan authorities have launched a search for a Kenyan national who went into hiding after testing positive for Covid-19.

The man, a truck driver, took a Covid-19 test at Malaba border point after arriving from Kenya on Friday, May 8th, with results showing he was infected with the virus.

Speaking on Sunday, Aswa Region Police Spokesperson Patrick Okema said the driver of a truck bearing registration number KBR 614H abandoned the vehicle in Elegu and escaped.

He called on anyone with information on the driver’s whereabouts to inform the police immediately to prevent further spread of the virus.

"Efforts to trace for this patient who has gone in hiding are ongoing. A security team at the border and medical officers are following this matter seriously until we trace him.”

“This fight is not only for the security and medical teams. It calls for a concerted effort. Whoever knows where this gentleman could be, particularly in Elegu or surrounding areas, should alert the security team so that he's picked and taken to the treatment center," said Okema.

The Kenyan driver was among 5 people who tested positive for the bug in Uganda on Sunday, raising the total number of infections in the country to 121, Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng said.

“The new cases are two Ugandan and three Kenyan truck drivers who arrived via Elegu and Malaba points of entry,” said Aceng.

At least 20 Kenyan truck drivers have tested positive for Covid-19 in Uganda since the country reported its first case on March 22nd.