Coronavirus: Museveni orders closure of Uganda’s borders, no person allowed into country
President Museveni has ordered the closure of all Ugandan borders including on land, sea and air as one of the ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I had directed the health authorities to allow people come to Uganda but be quarantined. But due to the indiscipline of some individuals, we have now decided to review that position and tighten the preventive measures,”Museveni said while addressing the nation about the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday evening at Entebbe State House.
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“Humans crossing into Uganda from the different border points are prohibited going forward. This is until we find coordination at the East African level. Please stay where you are. We are not against anyone but this is about manageability.”
Museveni said no one including those travelling in buses, bicycles, other vehicles or on foot will be allowed to enter the Ugandan territory from outside until further notice so as to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
All passenger planes coming from outside Uganda are prohibited from landing at any of the airports in Uganda. No passenger planes will be allowed to land in Uganda or leave. Only cargo planes and their crew members will be allowed in the country.”
He said only cargo planes and those for the United Nations will be allowed to land at Uganda’s airports.
Museveni however noted that as part of the East African community agreement, drivers of cargo trucks and their helpers not exceeding three in number will be allowed to enter or leave Uganda.
He asked LC one chairpersons and locals in border areas to work with security agencies to enforce his directive.
Despite absence of any reported cases of coronavirus in the country, Uganda has been on high alert following cases in neighbouring countries including Kenya, Rwanda, DR.Congo and Tanzania.
Early this week, President Museveni issued a number of guidelines in which he banned all social, political, cultural and any other form of gatherings as a way of preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Consequently, the Health Ministry has restricted travels to and from countries with a big number of reports coronavirus cases like Italy, US, UK, France, San Marino, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Malaysia, Germany, South Korea, China, Iran and Spain.
According to government, individuals traveling from those countries who insist on coming to Uganda must undergo quarantine for at least 14 days at their own cost.
