ENTEBBE – Entebbe International Airport on Monday, March 23, 2020, was deserted as most passenger jets kept away in adherence to the government directive banning all flights.
President Museveni on Saturday ordered closure of all borders and suspended passenger flights. Shortly thereafter, Uganda registered its first of covid-19 case on Saturday. A 36-year-old Ugandan arrived in the country from Dubai aboard Ethiopian airlines and tested positive for the virus.
A tour of the airport by our reporter on Monday, March 23, 2020, found little activity, with mainly staff seen at the airport.
“I wish to confirm that the airport is as empty as never before. Presidential directive implemented to the dot. United we shall defeat COVID-19,” Emmanuel Ainebyona, the Ministry of Health spokesman, posted after visiting the airport.
On Sunday, Uganda Airlines also suspended all its flights effective Monday, March 23, as part of safety measures in the wake of several travel restrictions due to coronavirus.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the management of the national carrier said that those who had booked to travel during this period can reschedule their flights or request for a refund.
“This is in the interest of ensuring the safety of our customers, staff and the public, compliance with the rapidly evolving travel restrictions and the various national and international obligations in the global fight against COVID-19 pandemic,” the management said.
The company said ticket changes are free of charge and that the national carrier is offering a waiver for change fees on all flights across its network.
Museveni also announced a travel ban to and through high-risk countries including Italy, San Marino, Iran, South Korea, France, China, Germany, Spain, Belgium, USA, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Austria, and Malaysia.
