Practical tips for Ugandans, Coronavirus symptoms, freephone numbers for advice, further reading on COVID-19, advice to travellers to Uganda, how to reschedule gorilla tracking permits in Uganda, and more.
The last few months have felt surreal. I feel like I’m on the set of a John Wyndham science fiction movie. Everything looks the same yet everything is different. My world view has shifted.
I have been in lockdown on the edge of Kibale Forest since March 23rd 2020. You can read my story here in “We Asked for Fascinating Stories of Lockdown Abroad. And Wow, Did We Get Them.”
Scroll down for useful links and advice on Coronavirus / #COVID-19.
I don’t pretend to be a Coronavirus expert but I am adding links to useful tips and information as I find them. At the time I published this blog (21st March 2020) there was little practical advice online in Uganda about how we should respond to Coronavirus. One of my best friends is registrar at a London hospital (and heads up the hospital’s COVID response plan) so I’m checking facts with her before I share them.Scroll down and see what’s relevant to you. Write a comment if I have missed something!
The volume of information about Coronavirus and the staggering changes to so many aspects of our lives is quite overwhelming, isn’t it? I thought I’d be able to keep on top of developments in our corner of the world, but I have been struggling. Upcountry internet has not helped. For simplicity I am therefore simply adding links to latest info as comments at the bottom of this post – when I can’t edit this post. If you see anything that you think is wrong or out of date, do please contact me and I shall correct it ASAP.
UPDATE: May 27th 2021. There are rumours we may go back into lockdown as there has been a big rise in infections. Facemasks must be worn in public; bars remain closed (officially, at least). Police are getting strict about curfew again. Download the full Ministry of Health Uganda press release. Update on COVID-19 pandemic, dated 27 May 2021.
The Ministry of Health launched a portal that tracks the virus in Uganda. [No longer online]. To watch President Museveni’s broadcasts about Coronavirus in Uganda, visit https://yowerikmuseveni.com/
Are you worried you have Corona Virus symptoms?
Click here to do the COVID-19 self-help test. It takes a few seconds and is FREE.
John Wyndham is famous for books such as The Chrysalids and The Day of the Triffids which “chillingly anticipates bio-warfare and mass destruction.” I’m not a conspiracy theorist but the sight of strangers wearing masks in the supermarket and the notion of unseen dangers in everyday life has clearly rattled me over the past weeks.
As Uganda braced itself to deal with coronavirus (first case confirmed 21 March 2020; Uganda records first Coronavirus death 23rd July), holidays have been cancelled and tour operators are looking despondent. I had an international flight booked (but will I make it to the UK? NO I’m still in Uganda. Would I make it back into Uganda if I had travelled? Who knows). African tourism – global tourism as a whole – looks pretty doomed right now.
The Ugandan government closed Entebbe International Airport to passenger planes from midnight 23 March but the airport reopened on October 1st 2020. Land borders were also closed (except for cargo). Testing and contact tracing is now in place at official borders. If you are due to travel to or from Uganda you should contact your airline or tour operator for the latest advice.
Graphic via the BBC
The 14 day self-quarantine process had its flaws and quarantine in hotels became controversial and expensive. The good news is that you can fly into Uganda without having to go into quarantine; however, you will need to present a negative COVID test 72 hours before you board the plane. If you present with COVID symptoms when you arrive at Entebbe Airport, you may be tested and taken into quarantine. Many people are now working from home. Read my blog Corona Virus survival tips: how to work from home during the Corona Virus in Uganda.
Here is a list of approved quarantine hotels in Uganda.
Which are the Coronavirus “affected countries”?
NOTE: some countries allow travel from affected countries; others allow travel if the country has less than 200 cases. This is the global map of locations with confirmed COVID-19 cases, by WHO Region, created by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
On March 25th 2020 Uganda Wildlife Authority announced “primate tourism and research suspended in all Protected Areas until April 30th 2020.” They have also updated rescheduling of gorilla tracking permits (and other activities in the National Parks). Primate tracking has reopened but you have to wear a mask throughout your time in the primate National Parks. UWA has various discounts in place across the country during 2021.
Read my blog Uganda Wildlife Authority goes on Facebook Live to discuss wildlife protection during the pandemic. This includes a link to watch the recording of the event in which ED Sam Mwandha discusses law enforcement, human wildlife conflict, primate tourism and the future of UWA and more.
In a press statement, Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO)“advises that consumers and travel agents contact their tour operator directly and in a timely fashion to discuss available options.”
Would the world not allow Africa just a little time to celebrate the momentous news reported below this week?
The last Ebola patient has been discharged from a treatment centre in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ebola has since resurfaced in the DRC 🙁
A 42-day countdown has begun to declare the end of the world’s second-deadliest Ebola epidemic. https://t.co/inNZYioo7H — United Nations (@UN) March 4, 2020
Click on the image to download, share or print it
Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus (courtesy of WHO and Unicef)
Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:
Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands with plenty of soap and water. British advice is to wash your hands for 20 seconds or “sing Happy Birthday twice!”
Keep an alcohol-based sanitizer ready for times when soap and water are not available.
Why? Washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing (and don’t take it personally when others do the same to you)
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Use ‘no-touch’ greetings such as hand waving, elbow bumping or “namaste” rather than handshakes and hugs.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Your phone is probably the dirtiest thing we possess! (After you wash your hands, next clean your phone). Read and watch Coronavirus: How to clean your smartphone safely, courtesy of a microbiologist.
Practice ‘respiratory hygiene‘
Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. (The freephone numbers are on this page). Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Message from the Ministry of Health, Uganda
The Ministry of Health requests the general public to call our toll free lines ☎ on 0800-100-066 or 0800-203-033 to report any suspected cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) or to inquire information on COVIDー19. Alternatively, you can call or WhatsApp @ainbyoo Senior Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Health on +256 (0)706 428093 or send a FREE SMS to Ureport on 8500. You can also call Atek Kagirita on +256 (0)752 909153.
The Muzungu: I called 0800-100-066 and was told that if you think you have been exposed to Coronavirus, you should attend one of the screening centres. These are China Uganda Friendship Naguru and Entebbe Grade B Hospital. Corona Virus screening is free of charge.
UPDATE NOVEMBER 2020: note that if you present yourself at a government facility with COVID symptoms, you do not have to pay for the test. If you simply want to get tested for your own peace of mind or because you are travelling, you will pay 185k UGX at a government clinic. There are a number of private clinics that offer testing. Some of them even offer a drive-through service or will come to your home or office and test you. These prices range from 300k to 450k ugx.
Further reading about the Corona Virus in Uganda
Visit the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak website for information and guidance from WHO (World Health Organization) regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Page updated daily. It has facts, statistics and practical videos. I have learned a LOT from visiting this site. It includes advice on common questions like:
- Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading
- When and how to use masks
- Myth busters such as
- How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus? (They only detect a fever. You may have the virus but not be exhibiting fever yet).
- Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus? (In summary, no).
- Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus? (No Uganda, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria).
- Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus? (In summary, no. Try not to get it, relieve symptoms, don’t spread the virus).
- Getting your workplace ready for Corona Virus. This pdf document addresses questions such as:
- 1. Simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace
- 2. How to manage COVID-19 risks when organizing meetings & events
- 3. Things to consider when you and your employees travel
- 4. Getting your workplace ready in case COVID-19 arrives in your community.
- Travel advice
UNICEF Uganda has similar information:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): What you need to know and learn. How to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What should people with a lung condition do now? Visit the British Lung Foundation website for more information. This advice is aimed at those who are 70 or over; or are pregnant; or have a weakened immune system; or have a long-term lung condition such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, bronchitis or pulmonary fibrosis.
Should I use a facemask?
The Ugandan government states that you must wear a facemask when you’re out in public. Supermarkets are not supposed to let you enter unless you are wearing a mask. They may take your temperature and disinfect your hands or ask you to wash them. They may even take your contact details for contact tracing.
Opinions on the effectiveness of masks vary. My doctor friend told me: I doubt masks are 100% effective because even the properly designed ones in surgery are only maximum 95% effective. However, masks DO stop you touching your face (and that may be enough to prevent you catching the virus). Note that:
- The mask must be clean so can’t be touched on the inside when taking on or off.
- It must be clean each time it is worn.
- Wash your hands before putting on your (or someone else’s) mask.
- Don’t have it hanging round your neck. That is not hygienic (and you are not wearing the mask, are you?)
Coronavirus (COVID-19). Health advice for people with asthma
How a country serious about coronavirus does testing and quarantine
James Onen shared the interview below on Twitter. (Ignore the US context, listen to his advice). One huge advantage Uganda has is our experience managing – and preventing – Ebola.
WHO Director-General’s opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 – 11 March 2020
“All countries can still change the course of this pandemic.
If countries detect, test, treat, isolate, trace, and mobilize their people in the response, those with a handful of cases can prevent those cases becoming clusters, and those clusters becoming community transmission.
All countries must strike a fine balance between protecting health, minimizing economic and social disruption, and respecting human rights.
This is not just a public health crisis, it is a crisis that will touch every sector – so every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight.”
Where did Corona Virus come from?
The world is watching Covid-19 and learning a new word: zoonotic disease. What’s going on?
Read Preventing Disease Outbreaks: Lessons From Uganda, an interview with “Conservationist, veterinarian, epidemiologist, and health worker in the villages near wild habitat, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is an advocate for the well-being of both people and animals. She is teaching Ugandans how to achieve wildlife conservation through public health and prevent disease outbreaks. We asked Gladys for insights into the current novel coronavirus pandemic and how we can prevent future outbreaks.”
“A group of 27 prominent public health scientists from outside China is pushing back against a steady stream of stories and even a scientific paper suggesting a laboratory in Wuhan, China, may be the origin of the outbreak of COVID-19.” Read Scientists ‘strongly condemn’ rumors and conspiracy theories about origin of coronavirus outbreak published 19th March on ScienceMag.org
Which resources about Corona Virus are you finding useful? Please share any useful links. I’ll be updating this blog regularly. Type a comment here or Contact me directly.
Keep safe dear readers. This will pass.
Very informative. It’s everyone’s initiative to be safe and others. Thank you
Yes. Let’s remember our responsibility to keep others safe. No need to panic, just wash your hands regularly with soap and avoid WordCamp meet ups for a little while!
Thank you for these details, it is very interesting, So once again, much appreciated!
How the Coronavirus will Affect Your Personal Finances! African perspective || Patsy Mugabi
Very thorough coverage albeit things will change as more is found out about the virus. Hopefully hot weather does not suit it and countries that are now adversly affected now will recover when the summer comes, if it does! Nothing seems certain now, but logic tells me that things will get better eventually. Neighbour must help neighbour.
Things will get easier in time, I’m sure, but in the meantime..? For now it’s all very confusing in Uganda as the President today made a whole long list of tough measures aimed at preventing the spread of Corona Virus. (No positive tests in Uganda as I write). His words will come as a big shock to a lot of Ugandans who have underestimated the threat of the virus coming to Uganda. Others have questioned the country’s ability to intervene or manage the disease. The measures announced today are tough. Summary below.
President Museveni statement on COVID-19
All schools closed from Friday
All religious gatherings suspended
Political and cultural public meetings
Ugandans banned from travel to China, US, Italy, UK (although nationals of those countries can travel there)
Wedding gatherings suspended, except if small numbers involved e.g. max ten people.
Funerals to be regulated – only close family attend only
Concerts, ciscos, bars suspended
Avoid public transport
Watch a recording of the live presidential address here.
Ministry of Health Intensifies UPDF Training on COVID-19 https://ugandamediacentreblog.wordpress.com/2020/03/17/ministry-if-health-intensifies-updf-training-on-covid-19/ March 17th 2019.
Thanks for being a voice of reason and logic in a crazy time of crisis and unknowns. We’re stuck in the U.S. and trying to get back home to be helpful where we can be. For now, hunkering down here as that’s what is best…everything closed including beaches and parks. Stay well Uganda…take extreme precautions as outlined so we can all get back to living! Thanks muzungu for your helpful info. Praying for the tourism market and the millions it impacts there and all over Africa. We’ll be ok, friends!
Hi Deb, great to read from you. I hope you both manage to get back to UG ASAP. I have a huge amount of respect for Dr Ruth Aceng, who heads the Ministry of Health. I have a lot of faith in her judgement and like her communication style. The government directives are drastic but I applaud them.
I’m in a lot better position than many as I travel back upcountry tomorrow to my hideaway on the edge of Kibale Forest. There I will consider how – one day – we restart promoting tourism… and enjoy more time with my Ugandan family in the meantime 🙂
See you on the other side!
One of the best write up every Ugandan needs to read.
Thsnk u so much sister Nagawa
Webale kusiima PJ 🙂
I’ll be adding more info every day. It’s a BIG subject!
You may also refer to EU, updated daily,excellent graphics:
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control,
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases.
Also this one from
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
For the cure of Corona there are several trials, but It is important to acknowledge that there are no controlled data supporting the use of any of these agents, and their efficacy for COVID-19 is unknown. (This is probably a bit technical, but here is a home page):
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=covid-19&term=&cntry=&state=&city=&dist
Thanks very much Kaj for taking the time to share the links 🙂
Coronavirus: A visual guide to the pandemic updated daily. This is a good source for the latest stats. It’s in an easy to read style.
The issue of quarantine (self-quarantine and institutional quarantine) in Entebbe has been hotly debated today. I’m hoping to get the official guidelines on this tomorrow.
cdc.gov can possibly add some perspectives on the guidance on discontinuation of home isolations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html
Really appreciate this evidence-based Uganda-specific resource. Thank you for your work!
Thanks for the positive feedback Andrea – now wash your hands 😉
A very well researched and informed article Charlotte. Keep it up. Better still, will try and get out of town to come and join you guys in your bit of heaven in Kamwenge!!
Thanks Nari. Trying to do my bit to fill the information gap and keep a bit of perspective too. Hope to see you (‘what to the what’ allowing!)
What a useful and informative piece Charlotte. I’ll definitely come back more regularly for in-the-moment-updates.
Check this out http://www.ugandantourist.com/coronavirus-covid-19-why-you-should-postpone-and-not-cancel-your-safari/
Way to go Jonathan! Thanks for sharing your latest blog. You’re totally right that people shouldn’t cancel bookings – after all, everyone’s going to need a holiday after this thing is over! Plus keeping the booking means you still have something wonderful to look forward to
Is chloroquine the wonder drug? Doctors say not yet.
“More trials are being done before we can say it is beneficial not harmful. Those trials might report later this week. Meanwhile we are not prescribing chloroquine until it is proved beneficial” write The Surgery in Naguru, Kampala.
https://thesurgeryuganda.org/covid-19-whats-new-23-03-2020/
The Surgery also explain the symptoms of Corona Virus and how it can develop:
“So Covid19 might start with fever and a sore throat but not always. Most will have a drop in appetite and some will lose their sense of smell for a day. It does not start with a running nose and sneezing: that is a common cold. It rarely causes high fever, headache and aching joints and muscles: that is influenza. Most children, young people and fit people will have a slight fever and a dry cough. They will get better in a few days, less than a week. Best to stay home until 72 hours after stopping coughing. Some will have such a persistent dry cough that they can’t sleep and start to get worried. If there is no difficulty breathing or chest discomfort just stay home. In the vulnerable, those with chronic diseases and the elderly after just a day or 2 the fever persists, the dry cough gets worse and they slowly progress to a chest infection, a viral pneumonia. This causes difficulty breathing, faster breathing and chest discomfort. These are the ones that need to be admitted in hospital.”
Expats and tourists should let embassies know of their whereabouts, if still in Uganda.
As a Brit, I receive these updates:
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
“All British tourists and short-stay travellers currently abroad should return to the UK where and while commercial flight options are still available, the Foreign Secretary announced today” (23rd March). Unfortunately airport and borders are now closed. What to do?
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-advises-all-british-travellers-to-return-to-the-uk-now/
Americans should check out the US Embassy site https://ug.usembassy.gov/
Hi! Great article, thanks for sharing it.
Here is an awareness poster written in Luganda created by Mama & Me Uganda for Corona Virus Awareness:
https://www.facebook.com/mamaandmeuganda/photos/a.1584080368478964/2501118923441766
Please feel free to print or share.
Stay safe..
Hi Zummi, this is brilliant. I have been looking for something like this to share with people.I’m adding it to the blog itself right now 🙂
#StaySafeStayHome
#Coronavirus: Social distancing a distant dream in Africa’s slums is a story set in the slum area below Namuwongo.
“Packed homes and shared facilities stoke fears in one Kampala slum of a devastating outbreak”I have so many fond memories of Namuwongo. Our house backed onto the railway track. The house shook when the train rattled past, a few metres away. We lived the ‘right side’ of the track. We were (and still are) extremely lucky. Namuwongo was my first home in Uganda – for nearly three years.
My heart goes out to one-time neighbours. How will they get by? Forget the virus itself, how will they find money to feed themselves? How will they get enough fresh water to wash their hands often as we are supposed to now? How will they afford the money for soap?
Namuwongo is a melting pot, made of thousands upon thousands of refugees from the DRC, South Sudan, Burundi and from across Uganda.
How one little social get-together can risk everything.
My mum shared this on Facebook. It has got me thinking hard all week. Please read and share this very thought-provoking piece. A link to the original post is below.
Why is social distancing important?
Here an epidemiologist explains the ‘epidemic trajectory’ and why you must not give in.
“You should perceive your entire family to function as a single individual unit; if one person puts themselves at risk, everyone in the unit is at risk.”
Hey everybody, as an infectious disease epidemiologist (although a lowly one), at this point feel morally obligated to provide some information on what we are seeing from a transmission dynamic perspective and how they apply to the social distancing measures. Like any good scientist I have noticed two things that are either not articulated or not present in the “literature” of social media. I am also tagging my much smarter infectious disease epidemiologist friends for peer review of this post. Please correct me if I am wrong (seriously).
Specifically, I want to make two aspects of these measures very clear and unambiguous.
First, we are in the very infancy of this epidemic’s trajectory. That means even with these measures we will see cases and deaths continue to rise globally, nationally, and in our own communities in the coming weeks. Our hospitals will be overwhelmed, and people will die that didn’t have to. This may lead some people to think that the social distancing measures are not working. They are. They may feel futile. They aren’t. You will feel discouraged. You should. This is normal in chaos. But this is also normal epidemic trajectory. Stay calm. This enemy that we are facing is very good at what it does; we are not failing. We need everyone to hold the line as the epidemic inevitably gets worse. This is not my opinion; this is the unforgiving math of epidemics for which I and my colleagues have dedicated our lives to understanding with great nuance, and this disease is no exception. We know what will happen; I want to help the community brace for this impact. Stay strong and with solidarity knowing with absolute certainty that what you are doing is saving lives, even as people begin getting sick and dying. You may feel like giving in. Don’t.
Second, although social distancing measures have been (at least temporarily) well-received, there is an obvious-but-overlooked phenomenon when considering groups (i.e. families) in transmission dynamics. While social distancing decreases contact with members of society, it of course increases your contacts with group (i.e. family) members. This small and obvious fact has surprisingly profound implications on disease transmission dynamics. Study after study demonstrates that even if there is only a little bit of connection between groups (i.e. social dinners, playdates/playgrounds, etc.), the epidemic trajectory isn’t much different than if there was no measure in place. The same underlying fundamentals of disease transmission apply, and the result is that the community is left with all of the social and economic disruption but very little public health benefit. You should perceive your entire family to function as a single individual unit; if one person puts themselves at risk, everyone in the unit is at risk. Seemingly small social chains get large and complex with alarming speed. If your son visits his girlfriend, and you later sneak over for coffee with a neighbor, your neighbor is now connected to the infected office worker that your son’s girlfriend’s mother shook hands with. This sounds silly, it’s not. This is not a joke or a hypothetical. We as epidemiologists see it borne out in the data time and time again and no one listens. Conversely, any break in that chain breaks disease transmission along that chain.
In contrast to hand-washing and other personal measures, social distancing measures are not about individuals, they are about societies working in unison. These measures also take a long time to see the results. It is hard (even for me) to conceptualize how ‘one quick little get together’ can undermine the entire framework of a public health intervention, but it does. I promise you it does. I promise. I promise. I promise. You can’t cheat it. People are already itching to cheat on the social distancing precautions just a “little”- a playdate, a haircut, or picking up a needless item at the store, etc. From a transmission dynamics standpoint, this very quickly recreates a highly connected social network that undermines all of the work the community has done so far.
Until we get a viable vaccine this unprecedented outbreak will not be overcome in grand, sweeping gesture, rather only by the collection of individual choices our community makes in the coming months. This virus is unforgiving to unwise choices. My goal in writing this is to prevent communities from getting ‘sucker-punched’ by what the epidemiological community knows will happen in the coming weeks. It will be easy to be drawn to the idea that what we are doing isn’t working and become paralyzed by fear, or to ‘cheat’ a little bit in the coming weeks. By knowing what to expect, and knowing the importance of maintaining these measures, my hope is to encourage continued community spirit, strategizing, and action to persevere in this time of uncertainty.
Jonathan Smith on Facebook. 20th March 2020 https://web.facebook.com/iamjonsmith/posts/10111300366541710
African Centre for Media Excellence
“Updated – Resources for journalists covering coronavirus” has some excellent tools and links.
ACME also remind us to:
Check the source
Get a second opinion
Read beyond the headlines
Consider the photos
Check your gut
This week the government advised everyone to plant. It’s the perfect time of year. Not everyone has a garden I know, but if you have even a tiny bit of land (or a balcony or a window box or an old jerry can), plant some tomato seeds. Nurturing plants can be immensely satisfying and calming too.
“Advice to the farming community and the general public on Agricultural and Nutrition activities in light of the #COVID19 pandemic – Uganda Media Centre”
https://bit.ly/2WS8PAY
“About the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is causing the current CoViD-19 pandemic.”
From Dr. Nerina Harborne, PhD Biophysics, Biochemistry Lecturer, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
I read this on WhatsApp today. My doctor friend (who works in a London hospital) agrees that it’s a good description so I’m sharing it here. (I’m trying my best to verify anything I share with you). The message is dated 30th March 2020.
“I’ve spent quite a few hours over the last week, in various groups and forums, trying to help people understand CoViD-19, and SARS-CoV-2. So many people don’t understand the difference between a virus and a bacteria, and don’t understand the need for simple measures such as hand washing or social distancing. I’ve written the following little explanation, which I hope will help. Feel free to share.
SARS-CoV-2 is a virus. A virus is a non-living collection of molecules that are packed up together, just like the sort of package we may send to each other.
The CONTENTS of the package are the instructions to make more viruses. These instructions are written in the language of RNA. This is the same language used by our own human cells to carry instructions. This means that our human cells can read the instructions, and carry them out.
The WRAPPING on the package is made of lipid, or fat. The viral particles get these fats from the wrapping of our own human cells. The GOOD THING is that this wrapping is easily broken open, by detergents, such as we use in soap or washing powder, or by alcohol, such as is in hand sanitiser. Then the contents spill out, the address label falls off, and the viral package is destroyed!
The ADDRESS LABEL on the package is a protein (called “Spike Protein”) on the outside of the viral particle. This address label directs the package to a human cell, and allows it to “deliver” its contents into the cell.
So, when the package is delivered, our human cells follow the instructions inside the package. The instructions tell them to make MORE viral packages, and then release them outside the cell, to be delivered to other cells!
All this is happening inside the cells of our nose and throat (upper respiratory tract).
So, when we cough or sneeze, all these little viral packages get caught up in the tiny water droplets that come out of our body (cough onto a mirror and you will see these tiny drops of water as they steam up your mirror!). These can hang around in the air for a short time, before slowly falling to the ground or other surfaces.
So other people can become infected by breathing in the droplets with virus packages while they are in the air, or by picking up the ones that have fallen out of the air onto surfaces by touching them with their fingers, and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes and so getting the packages where they can be delivered to more human cells.
So – the advice to WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP OR SANITIZER is to break open the packages and stop them from being delivered.
The advice to NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE is to keep the packages away from your own cells, which could follow the instructions to make more viral packages.
The advice to COVER YOUR FACE WHEN YOU COUGH OR SNEEZE is to stop water droplets carrying viral packages being delivered to someone else.
The advice to KEEP 2M DISTANT FROM OTHER PEOPLE is to make sure that any droplets you are breathing out do not reach the other person (and that theirs don’t reach you!).”
“How the Pandemic Will End
The U.S. may end up with the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the industrialized world. This is how it’s going to play out
This is about much more than the US. Take time to read and digest this incredible article that links to many others. This is the most insightful thing I have read about #COVID-19 yet.
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/how-will-coronavirus-end/608719/
“President Museveni announces 14-day shutdown in Uganda as govt enforces discipline to stem Coronavirus spread”
The lockdown was announced just an hour before it started!
“The ban on privately owned passenger vehicles will take effect from 2200 hours today, the 30th of March, 2020. I would have given the public time to adjust but on more scientific study, it was found that this would be a wrong policy. Why? A longer time would give people time to try and go to the villages. In so doing, they may transfer the sickness. We, would, then, not be curing anything. This freezing of movement will last 14 days from the 1st of April, 2020. This time it is not Fool’s Day; it is wise-person’s Day.”
Read the President’s full speech here.
https://www.pmldaily.com/news/2020/03/full-speech-museveni-announces-strict-measures.html
On 31.03.2020 Sarah Kagingo shared the following update via WhatsApp.
*H.E. President Museveni gives further guidance on measures issued on Wednesday*
✅ Supermarkets have been left open for food and other essential items but how shall we get to these shops?
✅ There are many supermarkets and other shops in your neighborhood, so don’t drive just walk to the nearest shop/or supermarket. Use home deliveries through Boda bodas; bicycles to support you get good & essentials
✅ Curfew: started today at 7pm until 6.30am.
✅ Diplomats’ vehicles: PM committee will work with diplomatic agencies to manage their movements from their residences to supermarkets or hospitals
✅ Protective gear for medical workers upcountry and centrally – PS of MoH is making arrangements to supply and is also engaging local manufacturers to make more – Nyanza textiles have capacity to produce but need specifications. Mulwana group for plastics are willing to produce too. We shall import the necessary technology to enable us produce the items like gloves, masks here locally – H.E. is fully getting involved in this.
Sanitizers are being made locally
✅ Food for the vulnerable groups – majority of people in the Country feed themselves; groups to benefit are those that live hand to mouth. This will be managed by the National Task Force. If you have to make a contribution liaise with the task force.
✅ If there are any impounded vehicles after the Wednesday lockdown announcement for 10pm, to be considered for amnesty.
✅ Mass testing is very expensive ($65 /individual) and meaningless as you can be fine today and get infected tomorrow.
✅ On some health workers who run away from COVID-19 suspects – Govt will be providing protective gears
✅ Ministry of transport will provide special car stickers for those vehicles accepted to move
✅ Weddings should be “scientifically” conducted with not more than 10 people: the not-more-than five people order targeted the youth who go to play matatu/or gather in the trading centers
✅ RDCs should have dedicated officers to manage the calls / 24 hour duty calls
✅ Bank Managers will be assigned will be provided with stickers from the Ministry of Transport, and it should be one person in the car. Clients are encouraged to walk to the bank or use mobile money
✅ Public servants who refuse to surrender vehicles will be arrested
✅ Media is an essential service so they should continue working and will also be availed with car stickers
✅ Construction sites – if you have materials onsite continue working and encamp your workers. Hardware shops will not be opened for 14 days
✅On Acholi cultural leaders who confuse communities that COVID-19 is an evil spirit. Minister of President to engage their leader (Rwot) to advise the community.
Today 176 were tested and 11 tested positive, bringing the total number of Covid cases in Uganda to 44.
“Car hailing service, Uber has suspended its services in Uganda following the announcement of a 14-day lockdown in Uganda that went into effect, yesterday, March 31st 2020.”
“Uber is providing safety information to drivers and riders in line with public health authorities’ guidance. This includes messages in-app, email and on social media channels. We have a team available 24/7 to support public health authorities in their response to the pandemic. Working with them, we may temporarily suspend the accounts of customers and drivers confirmed to have contracted or been exposed to COVID‑19,” further said the statement.
The company also said that “drivers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed in individual quarantine by a public health authority will receive financial assistance for a period of up to 14 days.”
https://www.ceo.co.ug/covid-19-uber-suspends-services-in-kampala-indefinitely/
COVID – 19 – Emergency Response Information and Resource Center for Ugandans
To get live statistics on COVID-19 in Uganda click here http://www.coronavirus.ronzag.com
United Nations Global Call Out To Creatives – help stop the spread of COVID-19
** 4 days to go to the deadline
“The United Nations (UN) needs your help in translating critical public health messages, into work that will engage and inform people across different cultures, languages, communities and platforms. The shortlisted work will reach everyone, everywhere.”
https://www.talenthouse.com/i/united-nations-global-call-out-to-creatives-help-stop-the-spread-of-covid-19/
For a daily overview of how Coronavirus is affecting the world right now, click here https://www.theguardian.com/world/series/coronavirus-live/latest
“Ban wildlife markets to avert pandemics, says UN biodiversity chief”
Warning comes as destruction of nature increasingly seen as key driver of zoonotic diseases
Read https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/06/ban-live-animal-markets-pandemics-un-biodiversity-chief-age-of-extinction/
Women, children, the disabled, the elderly and sick, refugees and asylum seekers are particularly vulnerable and most at risk from catching Covid-19. In these unprecedented times, the United Nations is calling on all world leaders to halt wars.
“Pope Francis joins the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres in calling for a global ceasefire as the world faces the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Watch ‘Pope appeals for global ceasefire amid Covid pandemic’
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/angelus-pope-appeals-for-global-ceasefire-amid-covid-pandemic.html
And here is the UN Secretary General “Calling for immediate global ceasefire- COVID-19”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH9sZxVlpDo&feature=youtu.be
“Journalists must ensure that COVID-19 response is no vehicle to steal public money”
An interesting article by Teresa Nannozi:
“Journalists must remember that while the money already in tax havens may be beyond reach, the new COVID-19 response aid, including the expected new World Bank lending for this purpose, can be secured with close monitoring to ensure that once here the cash does not just bounce off to tax haven accounts.”
https://acme-ug.org/2020/04/07/journalists-must-ensure-that-covid-19-response-is-no-vehicle-to-steal-public-money/
“DR Congo ‘prepared’ to take part in COVID-19 vaccine testing” April 4 2020
The Democratic Republic of Congo is prepared to take part in testing of any future vaccine against the coronavirus, the head of the country’s taskforce against the pandemic said on Friday.
“The vaccine will be produced in the United States, or in Canada, or in China. We’re candidates for doing the testing here,” Muyembe told a news briefing in comments that sparked controversy in DR Congo amid charges the population was being used as guinea pigs.
“At some point, COVID-19 will be uncontrollable,” the virologist said.
“The only way to control it will be a vaccine, just like Ebola. It was a vaccine that helped us end the Ebola epidemic.”
Muyembe’s comments came as two leading French doctors came under a storm of criticism after discussing on a television programme the idea of testing a vaccine for coronavirus in Africa. amille Locht, head of research at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in Lille, and Jean-Paul Mira, head of intensive care at the Cochin hospital in Paris, suggested that Africa offered better conditions for testing the vaccine.
Read the full story here:
https://www.independent.co.ug/dr-congo-prepared-to-take-part-in-covid-19-vaccine-testing/
You have to hand it to President Museveni, this update went viral!
The man is FIT! A lot fitter than most people. Whether he really is 75 or not (as the Al Jazeera article states) I don’t know, but it’s reminder of the President’s militar background and training. I have to say, I’m rather impressed.
This tweet was in response to the large numbers of people who have been exercising outdoors – and congregating in groups.
“President Yoweri Museveni has banned outdoor exercise to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/uganda-museveni-releases-indoor-workout-video-lockdown-200409200247120.html
Some highlights from the President’s address on April 8th:
Absolutely no public exercising, exercise within your compound.
Bodas delivering cargo should stop at 2pm.
Pick-up trucks delivering cargo should not carry extra passengers.
Security people should stop beating people.
Landlords cannot evict people for not paying rent at this time.
UPDATE:
Bodas can now deliver until 5 pm (not 2 pm).
Belgian-Dutch Study: Why in times of COVID-19 you should not walk/run/bike close to each other. Published April 8 2020
https://medium.com/@jurgenthoelen/belgian-dutch-study-why-in-times-of-covid-19-you-can-not-walk-run-bike-close-to-each-other-a5df19c77d08
Do you manage events? I organise group Digital Marketing training workshops – which we now have on Zoom. I also attend travel events such as Magical Kenya Tourism Expo, Pearl of Africa Tourism Expos and the brilliant Bayimba Festival on Lunkulu Island. It’s hard to accept that we won’t be attending these events again for a while.
This article “Coronavirus and Events: Outlook and Recovery Timeline” looks at the issues involved in deciding when to start rescheduling events.
“When will the event industry recover from the coronavirus? When is it safe to schedule your event? Here is a forecast of when things will go back to normal.”
https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/events-coronavirus
Sophie writes the food blog “A Kitchen in Uganda.” It’s one of my favourite blogs. She has a fantastic Instagram feed too. Read “9 practical ways to maximize your food rations during a crisis like Corona, when food access is limited. This will help curb food waste and maintain a healthy diet.”
https://akitcheninuganda.com/2020/04/13/9-ways-maximize-food-corona-pandemic/
“The Green Read: How coronavirus could help us save our planet
Amid tragedy, we can see a cleaner future. But will we keep sleepwalking towards a climate catastrophe?
This could be a turning point on many levels.” Read about the “Opportunities from tragedy”
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/green-read-coronavirus-save-planet-200412072241374.html?fbclid=IwAR3yNy3LeNwIG_ei_vIEkolonyRDcwIAvdaivVq-pUXKPz-AaVCsrLchl18
The Ugandan Tourist Jonathan Benaiah shares “thoughts on what tourism could be like, going forward, and what we can do about it.”
Ground Zero: COVID-19 Survival And Recovery – Africa’s Tourism In These Uninstagramable Days
http://www.ugandantourist.com/ground-zero-covid-19-survival-and-recovery-africas-tourism-in-these-uninstagramable-days/
Nomadic Matt is one of my favourite travel bloggers.
Read WILL THE CORONAVIRUS CHANGE HOW YOU LIVE? IT WILL FOR ME https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/coronavirus-life-change/
One of our biggest concerns is the comparatively rapid rise in Coronavirus spread in our neighbours Tanzania and Uganda. This week, a number of truck drivers from both countries have tested positive at the borders. Several hundred more have been tested negative.
“Tanzania’s coronavirus cases soar to 480 as 196 more test positive.”
https://www.africatembelea.com/tanzanias-coronavirus-cases-soar-to-480-as-196-more-test-positive/
To date: THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTED COVID-19 DEATHS in Uganda. Uganda has confirmed 79 cases, of which 52 have recovered and been discharged from hospital.
Across East Africa, confirmed cases of COVID-19 are:
Tanzania 299
Kenya 374
Tanzania 299
Rwanda 207
Source: Africa Tembelea. April 28th 2020
Found this
https://www.softpower.ug/inside-the-new-guidelines-issued-to-truck-drivers-to-slow-coronavirus/
Catholic Church cancels June 3 2020 – Uganda Martyrs Day – celebrations
https://www.softpower.ug/catholic-church-cancels-june-3-uganda-martyrs-day-celebrations/
“New York cats become first US pets to contract coronavirus”
But does this mean we can catch it from pets?
April 23, 2020
https://www.africatembelea.com/new-york-cats-become-first-us-pets-to-contract-coronavirus/
21 April
How Uganda’s history of epidemics has prepared it for COVID-19
COVID-19: Private Sector Foundation’s proposals on the partial reopening of businesses and resuscitating of the Ugandan economy
APRIL 29, 2020
https://www.ceo.co.ug/covid-19-private-sector-foundations-proposals-on-the-partial-reopening-of-businesses-and-resuscitating-of-the-ugandan-economy/
Dame Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” is an anthem of hope once again. Now 103, she talks about Britain in the face of crisis, then and now.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/dame-vera-lynn-important-keep-going-keep-smiling-keep-hoping/
Primate tourism in Uganda is closed indefinitely because “Great Apes May Be Susceptible to COVID-19.”
Bonn, 21 April 2020 – Experts have concluded that great apes may also be susceptible to COVID-19. Both the IUCN Wildlife Health Specialist Group and the IUCN Primate Specialist Group emphasize that, while there are no reported cases of great apes having been infected, it is safe to assume that they are susceptible to COVID-19. Previous studies have shown that great apes are susceptible to infection with human respiratory pathogens. The Gorilla and the Chimpanzee are protected under the Convention on Migratory Species.
https://www.cms.int/en/news/great-apes-may-be-susceptible-covid-19
A lot of people are saying they’re bored at home during lockdown.
My complaint is I can barely get online here in Kibale Forest. If you have decent internet, then I am very jealous indeed!
If you can get online, the links in this blog will keep you busy / entertained / educated for the rest of your life!
“You’re Bored? That’s So AWESOME.”
https://feveredmutterings.com/awesome-boredom?fbclid=IwAR2k2A9LsboEVyVC_g5JqejkNEy_oJ0ddKkvwgvLOHXRxExsF098CE43aOQ
How can we prepare ourselves for the future with Covid? Writes Dr Ian Clarke. This article first appeared in the Sunday Vision of 17th May 2020.
Creative!
“South Carolina restaurant uses blow-up dolls to enforce social distancing between tables” https://www.fox13news.com/news/south-carolina-restaurant-uses-blow-up-dolls-to-enforce-social-distancing-between-tables #StaySafeUG
Tomorrow Uganda will hear if lockdown will be extended or lifted. In next door Kenya, it has been extended for an extra 21 days.
Controversial… but an interesting read
“10 Reasons Why The Government of Uganda Should Lift the Lock Down”
https://smlnews.ug/2020/05/18/10-reasons-why-the-government-of-uganda-should-lift-the-lock-down/
May 3
Cabinet extends lockdown by two weeks as private cars, legal & construction firms are allowed to operate
By Geoffery Serugo
https://eagle.co.ug/2020/05/03/cabinet-extends-lockdown-by-two-weeks-as-private-cars-legal-construction-firms-are-allowed-to-operate.html
May 21 “Uganda revises coronavirus cases down to 145”
Like my friend said, is it fair for Ugandan numbers to have gone up when the majority of new positive cases are on our borders? (Most cases have been sent back to their respective countries).
https://observer.ug/special-editions/64909-uganda-revises-coronavirus-cases-down-to-145
Thank you Charlotte for this very informative piece. Well done.
I am stuck in Sweden waiting for when the government will allow us to fly back home and if you ask me, it is not easy. With a very tight budget, expiring travel insurance covers, one can only cry loud to government for an immediate solution (they have their own pace)
I make contact my siblings back in Uganda, thanks to WhatsApp and face book but for my analog parents, I have to make a phone call.
On one of the chats with my old man, he told me he is using LEMON to disinfect money that he receives from his business transactions which I laughed loud to.
Is there any scientific study on this Lemon thing or should I worry and warn my old man?
Kim.
Hi Kim Stanely
Sorry to hear you are so far from family just now. I think Sweden is doing an ok job with managing Coronavirus aren’t they? My Ugandan nephew studies in Addis and wants to come home too but I think individuals are expected to cover their airfare (and there are very few planes in or out of Entebbe right now).
Let me check what my doctor friend says about lemon / money. I would just tell your father to be sure to a) not touch your face and b) wash your hands regularly around money.
I bet Sweden has good internet. If I were you, I’d be doing tons of reading and courses online. Many are free 😉
Take care
Are you visiting Uganda during lockdown? Have you overstayed your visa? Then read this:
“Immigration offices in Uganda are closed until further notice. The Ministry of Internal Affairs have advised that fines accrued for overstaying visa or permits from 18 March to 9 June 2020 are waived. They have also advised that foreign nationals who are in Uganda with expired visas / permits will not be arrested.”
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uganda/staying-during-coronavirus
To the benefit of any foreigner in Uganda who has interest in exiting by whatever means, commercial flights from the airport in Dar es Salaam will begin early June. Furthermore, Air Tanzania has flights from Bukoba on Tuesday, Thurday and Saturday of each week to Dar. Hence, a person or group simply needs to arrange transport to Mtukula, cross the border and take a bus or other means to Bukoba. Said solution may not be deemed suitable for everyone, but is more definitive than waiting endlessly for another exit strategy, particularly for those who don’t mind a measure of ground transport. Possession of a valid East African tourist visa and a private car travel permit to legitimately pass through the border districts in Uganda are both advisable.
Several options for outbound international flights are posted on the US Embassy of Tanzania’s website, with contact information to the respective travel agencies. Also, it appears that Turkish Airlines is the most cost effective (<$1000) starting on June 11th and onward…
Dear John
Firstly, surely anyone wishing to leave Uganda via your suggested route can – and not just non-Ugandans?
Secondly, what is the relevance of having an East African Tourist Visa? It is not valid for travel to Tanzania. (It’s highly unlikely anyone has a valid East African Tourist Visa at this point since they only last 90 days and can’t be extended. Nor can they be renewed once you are in Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya).
Lastly, I appreciate there may be people who are desperate to leave by any means but the Tanzanian approach to ‘handling’ Coronavirus scares me. Although I have published your comment – so others can make up their own minds – I would advise extreme caution to anyone traveling to / through Tanzania now and in the foreseeable future. When a country decides not to publish their health stats and at the same time lets infected individuals (truck drivers) travel freely into other countries, one has to question how effectively their own health will be protected.
KAMPALA (Reuters) – Uganda will lose $1.6 billion a year in earnings from tourism as visitors stay away due to the impact of the coronavirus, President Yoweri Museveni said.
“The International Monetary Fund said last month that Uganda’s tourism earnings were expected to fall 54% in the 2019/20 (July-June) fiscal year, and decline 52% in the next year.
Museveni said the economy would also lose a substantial chunk of the $1.3 billion sent home each year by Ugandans working abroad as many would be out of work due to the global economic downturn following the pandemic.
Uganda has so far recorded 458 cases of COVID-19, with no deaths reported.”
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-uganda-tourism/ugandan-to-lose-1-6-billion-in-tourism-earnings-as-a-result-of-covid-19-idUSKBN2390XU
June 1 2020.
Follow this thread from the Uganda Media Centre on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/UgandaMediaCent/status/1267508400491057154?s=20
Churches and mosques to remain closed
• Political public meetings, sports, cultural gatherings etc should hold on
• Start 4th of June malls will open for as long as they observe social distancing
• Boda bodas not allowed to ferry passengers #M7Address
Today is Martyrs Day in Uganda.
“Martyrs day without pilgrims”
For the first time in history, Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Uganda is empty of pilgrims and visitors as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to afflict the world. The June 3, Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations have been canceled.
https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/1010683/martyrs-day-pilgrims
KEY POINTS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS ON COVID-19 (22nd June 2020)
(Bullet points from Credit Time Fm, shared on WhatsApp).
In summary, little has changed… The only difference seems to be that we can now have four people in a car, as opposed to three…
1.Curfew time will stay from 7pm to 6.30am. The measure is both a security and health intervention
2. Private vehicles can now carry four, up from three passengers, including the driver. They should observe SOPs like wearing masks
3. Boda bodas. Despite innovations like barriers between rider and passenger, they remain a high risk carrier. Bodas will stay carrying cargo, not passengers.
4. Places of worship will stay closed. They’d pose a difficulty in contact tracing and are a high risk contamination area.
5. Arcades will stay closed. However, relevant agencies will work with arcade owners to pilot prevention procedures to inform future relaxation.
6. Mobile markets, like arcades, will stay closed. They are high risk areas, present difficulty in contact tracing, etc
7. Hawkers(ing), vendors should be discouraged. They get in contact with many people, can’t be traced etc. However, they need targeted education/information
8. Repatriation of bodies for burial in Uganda. They can be repatriated but with strict SOPs from Health and Foreign Affairs Ministries. E.g. Body must be wrapped in a waterproof body bag, placed in a zinc lined coffin and an outer metal or wooden box.
9. Salons will stay closed. Activities here involve close contact between/among people. Contact tracing would be difficult too.
10. Travel in and out of Uganda for medical reasons should be barred, in principle. However, Ministry of Health and other agencies can handle case by case.
11. The following border districts will stay under lockdown: Rakai, Kyotera, Amuru, Buikwe, Gulu, Arua, Adjumani, Moyo, Nebbi, Zombo, Adjumani, Arua, Busia, Bulisa,Pakwach, Rubanda, Rubirizi, Rukiga, Rukungiri, Sironko, and Yumbe
12. Education institutions will remain closed. Radios and written education materials will be distributed to every household in the country.
13.The Independent Electoral Commission, after consulting scientists, has proposed a “scientific” electoral process. Ugandans should support this exercise
—
https://www.softpower.ug/museveni-maintains-curfew-time-increases-private-car-occupants-to-four/
Message on UK government web site:
Immigration offices in Uganda have now re-opened but they are currently providing a reduced service only. The Ministry of Internal Affairs have advised that fines accrued for overstaying visa or permits from 18 March to 9 June 2020 are waived. Discretion to waive fines outside of this period lies with the Commissioner of Immigration. Cases will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Foreign nationals can submit an enquiry via the Directorate’s web based form.
https://immigration.go.ug/contact
Dr. Celestine Katongole, PhD. Senior Lecturer at Makerere University Business School, Kampala
Theoretically, shocks should be part of systems evolution as they help weed out the weak and give way to the emergency of the strong. Covid-19 is one such shock that will certainly “cleanse” tourism and allow for stay and emergency of stronger, resilient and better players and destinations.
Creativity is one tenet that’s essential for not only survival of the covid shock but of bouncing back better. Bouncing back better means being smarter, wiser, and transformed for the better. Such is the very foundation of competition as it allows actors to seize opportunities presented by the environment.
Uganda is presented with a rare opportunity to bounce back better and stronger. Lately, I have been thinking. We could actually lead the transformation of tourism marketing around the world. We can be the first in Africa (if not the world) to create a virtual tourism fair. The government has been spending billions of shillings to show Uganda to the rest of the world. A tour company would also spend an average minimum of $5000 per trade fair and many would attend at least three fairs per year. In ten years, this would be about $150,000 in trade fairs alone.
Now we have the opportunity to create a virtual tourism trade fair. With technology it is possible to create a virtual environment in which the private sector and the government agencies can exhibit what they do. Each would acquire a virtual stall where they show off their services.
As for a tour company, one would have the opportunity to share real experiences of each activity in the package they offer. A visitor would be able to see what to expect in rafting, gorilla tracking or a game drive. A visitor can be made to have a virtual reality feel of the accommodation facilities, eating houses and your vehicles to use in each package provided.
Accommodation facilities would also have the opportunity to show prospective visitors what they offer through virtual reality tours of their facilities. The fair should also have virtual meeting rooms where, if a visitor is interested, you can meet and hold talks with you directly. Opportunities should be available for such Virtual meetings as well as telephone calls. This can make it possible for both visitors and the hosts to see each other as they try to do business. In fact, deals could also be concluded through the system but there should be options to engage later. Such a system would not allow people with plagiarized content to share it as their own. Ideally, people with original content would benefit a lot.
If every service provider in the visitor journey is available, including immigration, and embassies, it would be easy for people to make decisions. In such an arrangement, some products such as gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits, rafting, etc could be exclusively sold by only companies registered in Uganda. Others would be required to either register or have partnerships. Also, visitor could be allowed to make their own choices of activities into a package and then have discussions. Generally, people with product knowledge would have a higher advantage. Once others realize this, investment is knowledge would be made with ease!
The fair can have several languages, implying that with a proper calendar, we can promote it in several markets through digital channels. We can even run it thrice year, once in each market or generally, targeting those months in which people make travel decisions. The best thing is that admission to the the fair would be done by the host (UTB), implying that the exhibitors should meet certain minimum regulatory requirements. This would give confidence to the visitors and potential partners that they are dealing with a legitimate service provider.
Sustainability would be fairly easy. In the beginning, government would have to invest in the creation of the platform. Government should also take responsibility of training the private sector and other agencies on how to create content, exhibit and do business in such a virtual environment. The cost of filming and photography should be heavily subsidized, but those who specialize in such services will have the opportunity to make money.
In the end, to exhibit, a company would pay some money. If the system is user friendly, and is well promoted, it could give enormous returns on investment. To maximize efficiency, it could be run as public private partnership business.
In my view, an initial investment of about $5million would be enough to create what I’m talking about. This could be less than what we currently spend on exhibitions per year, moreover with a narrow market reach and undefined results.
If government collected about $300million from tourism, surely, it can invest $5million. This virtual fair would give every Ugandan company an opportunity to showcase their services and thus earn Uganda much more revenue in the end! Problem is, it might contradict the whole culture of per diem that people are used to. For that matter, it may not even be given a thought!
_______________________
https://www.africatembelea.com/celestine-katongole-a-rare-tourism-opportunity-from-covid-19/
Uganda yet to get community messaging right
SUNDAY JULY 5 2020
“Uganda is still struggling with public messaging as it battles Covid-19 community infections, nearly one month after announcing that the country had entered Phase Three of the pandemic, with rising cases throughout the month of June.
Experts told a virtual meeting between the Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation and Centres for Disease Control, that Uganda still had a chance to keep infections low if it enforces social distancing and the strict use of face masks.
Health experts warn that delays in getting the messaging right could lead to an exponential outbreak.”
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/ea/Uganda-yet-to-get-community-messaging-right/
There are some great ideas here with full instructions.
Even if you can’t sew, you will find something of use here.
Read” Coronavirus: How to make your own face mask”
4 June 2020
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52609777
We were appalled to learn of the killing of Rafiki the Silverback mountain gorilla. This National Geographic piece reflects what we are seeing and hearing. I live on the edge of Kibale National Park where I am told poaching has increased. We are also hearing of a rise in mature trees being cut, and more charcoal kilns being found in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.
“Pandemic-induced poaching surges in Uganda.
Lions, giraffes and even a silverback gorilla are recent casualties of the collapse of ecotourism.”
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/07/covid19-behind-uganda-poaching/
Health Minister “Mama Corona” Dr Ruth was in the news this week for all the wrong reasons: she WASN’T wearing a mask and she WASN’T social distancing.
Oh Uganda!
“Spotlight on Health Minister Aceng after social distancing gaffe.”
https://www.independent.co.ug/spotlight-on-health-minister-aceng-after-social-distancing-gaffe/
July 23rd 2020.
Sadly it had to happen. Kitalo nyo. “Uganda confirms first covid-19 death”
https://www.softpower.ug/uganda-confirms-first-covid-19-death/
US Embassy Kampala. Letter to U.S. Citizens: Now is the Time to take Precautions!
Ian Ortega writes on Facebook:
In the absence of a vaccine, we are all bound to get the COVID-19 virus.
Masks may delay this possibility. Sanitizer may delay it. But it is the natural end of this curve.
The solution is to strengthen your immunity. Let it be ready to fight when the virus strikes.
Truth be told you don’t know where your friends and family hangout. You have almost zero control over who they meet, where they meet and everything around this. Unless you are doing a total isolation, one’s individual actions are almost washed out by the compounded actions of their friends and family.
“Kampala registered its first COVID-19 case on 23/03/2020 and then hit its next hundred on 31-07-2020. It took four months for Kampala to hit 100 cases, only 10 days to hit 200 cases, and in less than 5 days is closing in to the 400 mark.”
Covid 19:90% of Kampala cases used taxi before infection
“Kampala registered its first COVID-19 case on 23/03/2020 and then hit its next hundred on 31-07-2020. It took four months for Kampala to hit 100 cases, only 10 days to hit 200 cases, and in less than 5 days is closing in to the 400 mark.”
Covid 19:90% of Kampala cases used taxi before infection https://www.independent.co.ug/covid-19-90-of-kampala-cases-used-a-taxi-before-infection/
Interesting video from the Head Scientist of World Health Organisation giving WHO update on COVID vaccines October 2020.
https://www.muzungubloguganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WHO-update-on-COVID-vaccines-October-2020.mp4
Worth watching… vaccines may be ready to distribute mid 2021 but will take months / years for everyone to get them. They will start by vaccinating the most vulnerable / at risk.
“Coronavirus in Africa: Five reasons why Covid-19 has been less deadly than elsewhere”
By Anne Soy, Senior Africa correspondent. October 8th 2020.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54418613
Kampala 23 November 2020
Notice to all travellers around Covid 19 tests
The Ministry of Health like to inform individuals intending to travel out of Uganda that they are required to pay for Covid-19 test. Henceforth all Covid-19 certificates for travellers must indicate TRAVEL as the intended purpose of the test.
All intending travellers who would like to test at government facilities are required to pay 180,000 Uganda shillings. Payment can be made Stanbic Bank. See attached screenshot.
Note that you are required to have a Covid-19 negative certificate taken within 120 hours before departure and NOT within 72 hours as has been the case until now.
– Uganda Reopens With Extra Covid Precautions To Protect Its Mountain Gorillas – October 5th 2020.
Of particular note:
“Covid protections for Uganda’s primates and other wildlife”
“Entering Uganda’s ten national parks requires a fever check and hand sanitizing. Masks—properly worn—are mandatory inside the parks too.
Trekking to see the country’s famed mountain gorillas and chimpanzees requires extra precautions.
Fever checks take place at several checkpoints during primate treks and mask rules are strict. Trekkers need to carry at least two masks (double-layered cloth masks, surgical masks, or N95 masks) for each day of trekking. The minimum distance visitors must keep from primates increased from 23 feet (7 meters) to 32 feet (almost 10 meters).”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johannaread/2020/10/05/uganda-reopens-with-extra-covid-precautions-to-protect-its-mountain-gorillas/
Covid-19 promises: What went wrong with implementation?
“Despite promising to deliver free facemasks and other relief items to the public to help them go through the pandemic, in some instances, government did not fulfill its pledge.”
Daily Monitor, Uganda, December 9 2020.
Doctors ask govt to declare another lockdown 16th December 2020
https://youtu.be/VeXNvWG0sFI
“Doctors, under their umbrella organisation, the Uganda Medical Association have asked the Government to institute a short period lockdown to block people from travelling upcountry for the festive season. The doctors fear that if nothing is done, coronavirus will spread at a faster rate due to huge numbers of people moving, yet most of the health centres are now overwhelmed. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Uganda in March 2020, the country has lost fourteen (14) medical workers to COVID-19 and now the Uganda Medical Association has asked Government to compensate the bereaved families.”
So how are we managing now?
10 months into the pandemic in Uganda and cases are high. A number of my friends in Kampala have had COVID-19. Few of them have been tested however. This means that government statistics around the virus don’t represent what is actually happening.
Here on the edge of Kibale Forest, we are lucky that we don’t have to think about social distancing every day but I miss my old life!
I’ve spent a lot of time researching COVID-19 SOPs (standard operating procedures) for my tourism colleagues and potential visitors.
As I write, Kigali is under lockdown. Rwanda is however still open for tourists but extra rules apply. Read Travel to Rwanda during the pandemic, a step by step guide.
EA tourism pushes for shared virus protocols
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/business/ea-tourism-pushes-for-shared-virus-protocols-3257392
“Until Africans get the Covid vaccinations they need, the whole world will suffer.”
“We’re not asking for charity, but fairness – instead of the hoarding and protectionism currently in play.”
Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda.
https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/feb/07/africans-covid-vaccinations-pandemic-paul-kagame/
Well here we are a year on from first lockdowns in the UK. Over 4 million people infected and 126,000 have died. In the States 30,000,000 infected and 540,000 people have died so far. I have noticed that the firgures in Uganda barely change, for the last two weeks a recording of 334 deaths. Is this really true or are deaths not being recorded? The public could be lured into a false sense of security it they think no one is dying, but in reality, people are dying of Covid, but not recording it. I hope wealthy nations will be donating plenty of vaccine to the less well off countries. We all need to be vaccinated to be rid of this. For anti-vaxxers I say , would you be here if Edward Jenner hadn’t invented the small pox vaccine? Would hundreds of millions of us be here if the 80 or so vaccines now available, hadn’t been invented?
I don’t think anyone in Uganda is following the Coronavirus statistics. At one point, all manner of deaths were being recorded as COVID-19-related. Now we seem to be seeing the opposite…
I know a number of Ugandans who have had COVID, and few of them have been tested. This means there are a good number of people (patients and survivors) who are not recorded on the system. They haven’t tested because: either they didn’t understand they could have a free test or they were worried about being taken into a government hospital (and presented with a big medical bill!)
As for the vaccines, I am delighted that I had my first shot in Kampala last week and have been encouraging many people to do the same. This anti-vaccination mantra is fashionable but not well considered. My medical doctor friend was delighted when she had heard that I had had the AstraZeneca jab. That’s all the reassurance that I need 😉
Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda regarding PCR testing of travelers, including children, from category 1 and 2 countries. June 11 2021.
The Ministry of Health Uganda has launched a National COVID-19 Vaccination Certification Portal.
Here you can request your digital certificate https://epivac.health.go.ug/certificates/#/
“Once you complete your COVID-19 vaccine doses, the Uganda government will issue a Vaccination Certificate that will confirm that you have been inoculated. This is issued 14 days after the person receives his/her last dose. The certificate carries all the basic details of the beneficiary like name, age, gender, and also all the details of both vaccination doses i.e. date, batch number, vaccine, manufacturer, dose, vaccination site.”
This works!
I input my passport number and telephone digits and it instantly generated my digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate which I now have as a PDF file. It includes a QR code. Scan that and you / port authorities can verify the certificate on the Ministry of Health website.