Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has announced that international borders will be reopened for tourists while returning Ugandan citizens who have tested negative for Covid-19 will be allowed to self-isolate at home.
Museveni while addressing the nation on Sunday said that although the infection rates continue to rise, the country cannot remain under restrictions indefinitely, citing the economy's weakened health in the wake of the pandemic.
President Museveni said tourists should have taken a Covid-19 test at least 72 hours before arrival and they will be taken straight to their holiday destinations.
Public and private transportation ban in districts bordering neighboring countries has also been lifted.
He also announced that schools, colleges, and universities will reopen for the 1.2 million students in candidate classes and finalists in tertiary colleges and universities on Oct. 15.
Places of worship have also been allowed to reopen but the number of congregants will be limited to 70. Outdoor sports activities have been allowed to resume but with no spectators.
Uganda’s health ministry blames the rise in infections on the public’s complacency to social distancing and wearing of masks.
A ban on public gathering and a night-time curfew still remain in force.
The country began easing restrictions in May but the rate of infection continues to rise.
According to the health ministry, Uganda had recorded 6,287 COVID-19 cases, 2,616 recoveries, and 63 deaths until yesterday.
Thousands of South Sudanese live and/or study in the neighboring landlocked country.