The Ministry of Health has instructed that all incoming passengers regardless of their vaccination status must undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing at Entebbe Airport. The directive was supposed to be implemented starting today September 3 but the latest reaching Mazima indicates that it will be effected in the next two weeks.
The Ministry officials led by Dr. Ruth Aceng were expected to inspect the airport and testing centre on Thursday to assess the preparations of the service providers who will conduct the mandatory tests.
According to Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Ministry’s spokesperson, the inter-ministerial committee postponed the recommendation for two weeks. He says that the committee will visit the airport and other entry points to assess the preparedness.
Ainebyona added that laboratories have been given time to prepare and set up machines at Peniel Beach which will serve as a testing centre.
Laboratories like MAIA Group Labs, MBN Laboratory, Case Hospital, Same Day Lab, City Medicals among others have been accredited to set up laboratories at the testing centre.
The Ministry of Health expects laboratories to release the test results in less than two hours to save time and overcome congestion.
On arrival, passengers eligible for the test are expected to pay about 65 USD (about UGX 250,000 ).
To avoid mixing up with other memebers of the public, they will be required to board buses under strict security and supervision to the testing centres.
Previously, passengers from countries like; India, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates among others were subjected to mandatory testing if they were not fully vaccinated.
