The government has put an end to mandatory Covid-19 testing for all travelers.
On Thursday, however, an inter-ministerial committee met with a number of stakeholders and agreed to put the move on hold for two weeks.
The mandatory Covid testing for all arriving travellers entering the nation, which was due to commence today, September 3, has been postponed by the government.
Travelers, regardless of their vaccination status or Covid test status, were required to take a forced virus test upon entry into the country beginning today, a decision that has generated uproar, particularly among frequent travelers and tour operators.
On Thursday, however, an inter-ministerial committee met with a number of stakeholders and agreed to put the move on hold for two weeks.
“Following an inter-ministerial committee meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, the mandatory testing of all incoming travellers at Entebbe International Airport and other points of entry has been postponed for two weeks,” the Ministry of Health spokesperson, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, said on Thursday evening.
Despite having negative Coronavirus test results 72 hours before to departure or upon arrival at Uganda’s entry ports, travelers were compelled to take an obligatory Covid test at their own expense as part of the order.
However, following a Thursday inter-ministerial meeting, it was determined that, regardless of their vaccination status, all travelers arriving from India will be subjected to obligatory PCR testing at their own expense.
“All incoming passengers from other category 2 countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Tanzania, would be required to undergo PCR testing. However, if a person is completely vaccinated and asymptomatic, no testing is required upon arrival, according to the ministry.
A lot of tourist industry leaders and regular travelers applauded the announcement, calling it a relief from the previous instruction.
“Tourists were canceling vacations to Uganda in favor of other destinations.
“No one wants to be penalised for spending money,” Amos Wekesa remarked.
Since last year, Uganda has recorded 120,208 total Covid cases, with 95,590 people fully recovered and 3031 persons dying as of August 31, 2021.
The population has received a total of 1376986 doses of Covid vaccination.
