Business community asks gov't to open Malaba border

The business community living along the border of Uganda and Kenya in Malaba has requested the government to open the border to cross border business.

According to the community since the border was closed in March, life has come to a standstill.

They allege that since the president announced the opening of the borders, Malaba has remained closed without any explanation.

Issa Nambasi, a businessman questioned why the border in Malaba has remained closed to the business community.

Moreen Namaganda said the cost of testing for COVID-19 is too high that the business community that has been in the lockdown for the seven months cannot afford it.

She prayed that the government revisits this decision.

Umaru Matende said the way of surviving at the Malaba border is through the business that is carried out between Uganda and Kenya.

Fazil Mulagala said they are practicing all the Ministry of Health precautionary measures and the SOPs

Justine Maganda, a food kiosk operator said the closing of the gate has paralyzed all the businesses in the town that the money flow chain is stuck.

Facitino Omenya said as the government is preparing to open schools, they are wondering how their children are going to return to school.

He prayed that those in authority look into the matter as the business community is ready to observe the SOPs.

The Manager URA Eastern James Malinzi explained that the border has been opened but only to those who have certificates.

According to Malinzi, all that the cross border business community needs to do is to test for COVID-19 and they will be allowed to operate their businesses as before.