Coronavirus situation in Kampala: Uganda lockdown

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Covid19 Status -Uganda

A month ago, Ugandans were going about their daily routine, schools were open and businesses were running. The capital city Kampala, known for its traffic, street food and night life was as busy as ever. The Covid19 epidemic was rapidly spreading across the world and wreaking havoc to lives and economies. Most middle class Ugandans first felt the pinch of this impending crisis when their popular regional and international sports like the European football league games came to a grinding halt.

On March 18th, even before the first Covid19 case was registered–schools, universities and places of worship were ordered to close. Public gatherings including concerts and ceremonies like weddings were banned (unless you could hold one with not more than five people). Three days later the Ministry of Health confirmed the first Covid19 case in the country. Following this, a presidential directive closing all borders and airports for 30 days was announced. This effectively cut off entry or exit for any persons intending to travel to or from Uganda with the exception of cargo planes and vehicles.

More Covid19 cases were confirmed almost daily in the week that followed.

Fast forward to March 31st and the country had a total of 44 cases of Covid19, most being recent returning travelers and their relatives and contacts. That same day, the President declared a 14-day lockdown effective immediately. This lockdown -essentially a countrywide quarantine of all citizens was meant to reduce community spread of Covid19. A curfew (7pm to 6am) to restrict unnecessary movements after dark was also announced.

The government’s response though sudden and disruptive has been applauded by many in the public health sector as a proactive move to curb further spread of the virus. Unfortunately, as has been seen in many other countries affected by this pandemic, the lockdown has had a massive negative impact on trade and businesses. All businesses and traders not dealing in essential items such as food items and medicines have been banned.

Public transport including taxis, commercial motorcycles locally knowns as ‘boda bodas’ and buses as well as private vehicles use (except for essential service providers) have all been prohibited in an effort to promote social distancing. Transport companies like Uber and Safeboda have had to suspend their services until the lockdown is lifted. The armed forces have been stationed at several points in Kampala and across the country to enforce the lockdown and curfew.

As I write this we are on day 4 of the lockdown and it feels like it’s only just began. It’s not clear what will be happen after the 2 weeks have elapsed, but one thing is clear all travel whether in-country or across the border is on hold until further notice.

It goes without saying that all the Easter celebration excitement has now died down. With this annual holiday less than a fortnight away, it is difficult to imagine that we will be celebrating this in the confines of our homes.

What matters most now is staying healthy and following national guidelines set out to avert further spread of Covid19.

So if you are reading this, wherever you are - Stay home ,stay safe

#Covid19 #Uganda #travelblog

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