President Museveni eases Uganda COVID-19 lockdown restrictions

President Museveni eases Uganda COVID-19 lockdown restrictions
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | President Yoweri Museveni on Friday 30, July 2021 eased lockdown restrictions, following a drop in COVID-19 admissions and infections levels across Uganda after 42-day lockdown.

Members of the National COVID Taskforce and the Scientific Advisory Committee advised President Museveni to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in the country.

Members of the taskforce led by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja met the President earlier at State House ahead of the presidential address on Friday 30th.

Under the new directives, public transport including taxis are allowed to resume operations starting August 2 with a stringent 50 per cent passenger limit.

Addressing the nation July 30, at State House Nakasero, Mr Museveni said civil Standard Operating Measures (SOPs) obedience in disciplines allowed to operate will be reviewed after two weeks. 

On the night, Mr Museveni also called for a scale-up of a vaccination drive that targets inoculating 22 million nationals.

‘Scientists tell me that children above the age of 12 can also be vaccinated using the Pfizer vaccine. The Ministry of health will review that before schools are granted resumption,’’ he noted.

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New guidelines as Museveni opens public transport, relaxes restrictions against boda boda operations

VIDEO: President Museveni addressing the nation
  • Curfew time maintained at 7:00pm-5:00am
  • Boda-Bodas allowed to operate up to 6:00pm, with only one passenger.
  • Opening disciplines must strictly observe SOPs
  • Kikuubo to open but all kiosks must be removed. Road side vending around Kikuubo barred.
  • Malls, arcades and business centres re-open conditionally
  • Burials and weddings regulated to 20 people
  • Worship and prayer hubs to stay closed until after a 60-day review
  • Outdoor sporting events allowed under strict SOPs
  • Games, betting, casinos, cinema halls, concerts still prohibited 
  • Restaurants, saloons stay open
  • Saunas and steam bath venues stay closed
  • Schools remain closed until after sufficient vaccination is done
  • Ministry of health should consider reopening health training institutions
  • Cap on office workspace workers’ presence edged up from 10 to 20
  • Private vehicles can move with a maximum of 3 people  
  • Airport to stay open 
  • Cargo truck drivers allowed to move with only 2 people on board 
  • Public Transport will open with 50% passenger capacity
  • Food markets to remain open
  • Conferences and seminars still banned