Uganda Tightens Containment Measures

• Uganda, moving away from its previous practice of testing only passengers from high-risk countries, has now introduced a mandatory Covid-19 test for all passengers arriving in Uganda.
• A statement from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority explained that the mandatory test costing 4000 shillings was introduced to strengthen containment measures and avoid a potential third wave.

Uganda, moving away from its previous practice of testing only passengers from high-risk countries, has now introduced a mandatory Covid-19 test for all passengers arriving in Uganda. A statement from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority explained that the mandatory test costing 4000 shillings was introduced to strengthen containment measures and avoid a potential third wave. A Notice to Airmen (Notam) communicating the details of the mandatory test requirements to all airlines is being processed and will be issued.

Testing laboratories at the airport, as well as trained lab technicians and other staff to manage the process, have been set up by Uganda’s Ministry of Health. Five PCR testing machines, with the capacity to test 3600 passengers in 12 hours, have been installed. Passengers must also present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel.