Uganda on Wednesday announced that it has stopped the mandatory COVID-19 testing of travelers coming into the country for self drive safaris. The Ministry of Health in a statement issued here said the move which takes immediate effect follows a cabinet decision on Feb. 14 2022.
The suspension is based on a decline in positive COVID-19 cases identified at the airport Entebbe International Airport, as well know that everyone in the whole world is looking out for them selves that is why there is reduction in positive cases.
“Mandatory Covid-19 testing of all incoming travelers at Entebbe International Airport upon arrival has been stopped with effect from 16 February 2022,” said Dr Henry Mwebesa, the director of health services at the Ministry of Health, in a statement.
The ministry stated in the statement, however, that the mandatory testing of 72 hours before boarding for both incoming and exiting travelers remains in effect.
“Our health workers will continue to screen all travelers both at arrival and departure and verify their Covid-19 test certificates,” said Dr Mwebesa.
The government imposed the restrictions in September last year following the detection of more variants of Omicron imported from neighboring countries in travelers who arrived via the airport.
Previously, arrivals were only required to show a valid negative PCR certificate obtained from an accredited lab in their countries of origin.
While talking to local media on Wednesday afternoon, Works Minister Gen Katumba Wamala confirmed the suspension of Covid-19 testing, saying it would apply to all points of entry.
Travelers paid $30 for the tests even if they possessed negative PCR results from their departure points.
The measures had brought business to a standstill at Malaba and Busia along the Kenya border with Uganda as truck drivers protested the mandatory tests and costs.
The strike led to a fuel shortage in the landlocked country, forcing the government to cut the cost to $25 and eventually suspend testing for truck drivers only.
But with the recent news we are all not testing again and again at all border entries in Uganda even if you are on car rental safari. Though there is relief , we should not for get to testing from your country of origin as you will be required to show the –ve PCR test results 72 hours before arrival.
Even with the covid-19 suspension endeavor to put on a mask and sanitize all ways as we all know covid -19 is s till here.
Despite the latest development, the government said travelers are still required to be tested 72 hours before arrival or departure from the airport. You will not be allowed entry in Uganda without the yellow fever vaccine certificate. Do not forget this.
