Cabinet okays compulsory Covid-19 test for travelers
Cabinet has okayed the planned mandatory Covid-19 test for all international travellers entering Uganda.
“It was agreed that all travellers entering the borders including Entebbe International Airport would undergo a mandatory sample removal for testing Covid,” the ICT and National Guidance Minister, Dr Chris Baryomunsi told journalists on Wednesday.
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A few weeks ago, an inter-ministerial committee meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja resolved that the move is halted for a period of two weeks as consultations over the same continue.
Whereas at first, the move would see travellers pay $65, the minister said this has however been reduced to $30.
“It was further agreed that the PCR tests for arriving passengers shall be carried out by government and not private laboratories that are currently doing the tests.”
The minister explained that the arrangement to shift from private laboratories to the government facilities will be done within one week and that a similar arrangement is being done at all the country’s entry points.
Tourists
Following the announcement of the move for mandatory testing of all travellers, there was an outrage, sparked especially among frequent travellers and tour operators.
However, according to the minister, there will be a special arrangement for tourists .
“Passengers with tourist visas will have their samples taken but will be permitted to proceed to their respective hotels as they wait for results,”Baryomunsi said.
