Government has halted the mandatory Covid-19 test for travelers coming into Uganda. The mandatory testing was scheduled to kick off today, 3rd September 2021, however the exercise has been pushed to next two weeks.
“The mandatory testing of all incoming travellers at Entebbe International Airport and other points of entry has been postponed for 2 weeks. This is following an inter-ministerial committee meeting chaired by the Prime Minister,” the Ministry of Health spokesperson, Emmanuel Ainebyoona said.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Ministerial meeting resolved that mandatory testing will be subjected to travelers from India with each meeting his or her cost.
“All incoming travelers from other category two countries which include: Kenya, Tanzania, UAE, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Tanzania will undergo mandatory PCR testing. However if one is fully vaccinated and asymptomatic, there is no need for testing on arrival.”
Uganda was losing tourists due to this measure and some of them had cancelled their travel plans. This must have been the cause of the postponement of the measure. However, the country is anticipating the third wave roaming. Cases are rising and yet many people haven’t got the vaccine.
The only bad thing about this move is that if cases increase, it’s the citizens that will be at the worst place. Obviously, the country may have to go into another lockdown. This is if a large number of people haven’t got the vaccine. The best thing to do as for now is to urge people to vaccinate against Covid-19.
