Uganda conducting huge COVID-19 vaccination drive
As the wheels of the tourism sector slowly but surely begin to turn, actors in the Ugandan tourism sector desperate to return to the days leading up to the pandemic have taken pragmatic steps to revitalize the sector.
- Several private companies and associations have come together to launch a massive vaccination campaign in Uganda.
- In addition, the coronavirus test procedures will be tightened and streamlined.
- Fully vaccinated travelers can be exempted from the check-up on arrival upon presentation of proof.
This is happening because the Department of Health (MOH) updated its response to the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines published by Dr. Henry G. Mwebesa, Directed General Health Services, MOH, on May 27, 2021.
The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), the Uganda Guides Association (UGA), the Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA), the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) lead by example the Uganda Museum in Kampala from 2-4. June 2021. By the end of the day, 330 people had received the vaccination.
The Ministry of Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Ugandan Tour Operators to conduct sample testing in a convenient way and return the results to their clients within an hour of testing instead of the required 4 hours. According to AUTO chairman Civy Tumusime, after a series of meetings with MOH, vehicles can also pick up their customers in company vehicles instead of getting on buses with other travelers, getting them tested and taking them to their hotels where they can accelerate results.
Other travelers from Category 1 and Category 2 countries, including children, must be brought by bus to the Peniel Beach Hotel, 2 km away, for sample collection and testing.
