COVID-19: KOTSA enforces SOPs as Ugandans travel for Christmas

COVID-19 | FESTIVE SEASON |

The Kampala Operational Taxi Stages' Association (KOTSA) has established tough COVID-19 guidelines for taxi users travelling to their villages for the festive season.

"We have observed laxity in enforcing the standard operating procedures (SOPs) put in place by the ministry of health, both on the side of the taxi operators and the passengers," said Moses Birungi, the association's public relations, and communication officer.

Speaking during a press conference held at their officers in Kampala, Birungi said the established guidelines will help them enforce the measures and guidelines by the ministry of health in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 among the public.

"As we approach the festive season, many public transport users are likely to ignore the COVID-19 guidelines," he said.

Among the guidelines include, observing social distance, washing of hands with water and soap, sanitizing, and wearing a facemask.

"Passengers should always demand sanitizers or water to wash their hands before they can board any tax," Birungi said.

He also appealed to the tax operators to follow the police traffic rules to ensure road safety.

"Their vehicles must be in good mechanical conditions, avoid speeding and overloading," Birungi noted.

He emphasized that nobody is will be allowed in the tax park premises without a face mask, as one of the ways of reducing the spread of the pandemic.

Birungi has also informed the public to be keen on their belongings during the season as thugs usually masquerade as conductors giving out receipts.

"Don't give money to anybody before boarding a vehicle leading you to your destination," he said.