Repatriation of Ugandans stranded abroad due to COVID-19 is set to resume on Saturday the 18th of July 2020.
This exercise had been halted by government for a period of two weeks to enable proper quarantining of returnees who had so far arrived in the country.
According to a statement issued by the ministry of foreign affairs today, the repatriation exercise resumes this Saturday with the return of Ugandans stranded in Washington DC – USA and Doha Qatar.
On Sunday 19th July 2020, Ugandans stranded in Ottawa -Canada will also be repatriated.
“Additional repatriation flights will be communicated in due course” adds the statement.
At the start of the return process of Ugandans and residents, the ministry of Health had planned to have a total of 300 Ugandans return every two weeks.
However, in a space of one week, close to 1,000 people returned and filled up the quarantine centers according to Patrick Mugoya the permanent secretary ministry of foreign affairs.
Those that have already returned are from South Africa, Turkey, India, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy and the United Arab Emirates.
All returnees will have to undergo mandatory institutional quarantine for two weeks.
The ministry of health gazatted 37 quarantine centers in Kampala and Entebbe that have a total capacity of 2500 rooms.
In March this year, president Museveni ordered for the closure of Entebbe international airport and boarders following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
Ugandan cabinet later in May approved the return of 2,400 nationals stranded abroad amid COVID-19 which commenced last month.