FAQs for drivers during the national 14-day lockdown in Uganda

“The coming weeks will be challenging for all of us and we know this is particularly tough on drivers like you. But we want you to know this is not permanent and we are committed to working with government agencies and other stakeholders on your behalf to ensure you are supported during this difficult time. We are in this together. ” – Alon Lits, Director, and General Manager. Uber Sub-Saharan Africa

Q. When can I operate
You will not be able to accept trips as the app will be unavailable during the 14-day lockdown period. 

Q. When do I need to sanitize my car?
When back online, it is required that you sanitize your vehicle after each and every trip with a surface sanitizer. 

Q. Do you have health tips?
Do not drive if you’re feeling sick.

If you’re driving:
Cover your mouth and nose. If you sneeze or cough, do so into your elbow or a tissue. 
Riders must sit in the back to give you more space.
Open the window.
Please sanitize your hands as often as you can and also ensure you sanitize your vehicle after each trip with a surface sanitizer.


Q: Will I get requests during the national lockdown?
No.

Q: Is Uber available for exempted individuals and essential service providers?
Not at this time.  

Q: What else is Uber doing to support drivers?
We are working with preferred vehicle partners to ask that they support drivers in need by reducing the overall cost of their vehicles. This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your vehicle owner or fleet partner for more information.

Q: I haven’t received any rider requests?
Please note that due to the 14-day lockdown and restriction of movement, the app will remain unavailable during this period. 

Q: What happens if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?
Drivers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed in individual quarantine by a public health authority will receive financial assistance for a period of up to 14 days.

Q: Can handling cash or not wearing gloves be risky in terms of getting the virus?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is no evidence that cash is transmitting COVID-19. You are welcome to wear gloves, however, WHO suggests regularly washing your bare hands offers more protection against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.

Q: Do I have to pay for the sanitizers?
Uber will make a one-time reimbursement with a maximum threshold (UGX 12500) to cover the expense of buying surface sanitizers (with a minimum alcohol content of 60%). See here for more info.

Kampala recommended suppliers*:

Joint Medical Stores & Laborex Ug Ltd (hand sanitiser) – info-smu@global.saraya.com – UGX 25,700 each

1. Note that the above retailers and products are merely recommendations and drivers will be under no obligation to purchase these products from these retailers;
2. The prices indicated above are merely indicative in nature and Uber, in no way whatsoever, warrants the completeness or correctness of any of the above information. Drivers are encouraged to enquire directly from the relevant retailer, prior to making any purchase, as to the availability and pricing of any product.

Q: What happens if I can see a rider is sick?
If drivers feel uncomfortable picking up a passenger for safety reasons, they can choose not to accept or cancel the trip. However, it’s against Uber’s Community Guidelines to discriminate against anyone based on their race or national origin.