In the wake of COVID-19, the state on 21st March passed the Public Health (Prohibition of Entry Into Uganda) Order, 2020 suspending the entry of anyone into Uganda from all ports of entry; the said Order is borne out of S. 36 of the Public Health Act Cap 281 which mandates the minister to regulate, restrict or prohibit the entry into Uganda of any person(s) or impose conditions as regards the medical examination, detention, quarantine, disinfection, vaccination, isolation or medical surveillance of persons entering into Uganda; contravening this order attracts a fine of up to one thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both.
This Order was made in the ambit to curb down the infecting and later spread of the virus not only by people coming into the country but also by any possible culprits that may likely spread it to other parts of the world; those that had already landed at the airport were required to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days – also as a preventive measure—which is within the ambit of the law. Given the nature of the virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has since declared as airborne[1], and due to the fact that cases have been reported to have been tested positive, government has since taken measures to prevent the further spread of the virus.
This Order is effective Monday 23rd March, 2020 until 23rd April 2020, but subject to extension. The Order however does not apply to people belonging to any United Nations Organization and any humanitarian organization and any vehicle or aircraft used for the conveyance of cargo into Uganda through any border post.
Our appeal therefore to the general public is to stay home, stay safe, and stay tuned for any updates and new measures.
Joy Daphne Ndegemo
Advocate at Musangala Advocates & Solicitors
