President Yoweri Museveni has warned ‘thigh vendors’ not to touch truck drivers as the country battles the spread of coronavirus.
Museveni mad the remarks on Tuesday evening while giving an update on the country’s response to the virus that has wreaked havoc across the globe.
“Until our ships, plane and railway are fully operational, we can’t stop truck drivers. The lorry will still be there. You can stay away from these fellows. I’m told some of our daughters were depending on these people. These will be empowered to fend for themselves,” Museveni said.
He added, “You our daughters, tokwata ku driver oyo. Muleeke.
Tokwatako..naye takwatako (Don’t touch the driver and likewise he shouldn’t do the same),” Museveni said as he chuckled.
Uganda’s coronavirus cases have risen to 79 in the recent days with majority registered among truck drivers coming into the country from Kenya and Tanzania.
The drivers have built a reputation over the years for preying on women along their journeys through the various stops they make.
Sex workers have also been affected by the nationwide lock down that came into effect last month.
With bars, lodges and hotels closed, the ladies of the night had settled for truck drivers as last resort in their efforts to make ends meet.
Museveni has since proposed that they be given relief on form of food to keep them going.