MINISTER UNVEILS STRICT HEALTH GUIDELINES AS TOURIM SECTOR RESUMES OPERATIONS

By Sadique Bamwita
Entebbe

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or Corona Virus in the country, the Minister for Tourism and Wildlife Antiquities has unveiled approved strict standard operation procedures for the Tourism sector and enterprises  to resume operations following a- 4month closure period. Minister Tom Butime unveiled the Standard operating procedures at Entebbe Uganda Wildlife Conservation Center (UWEC) alias Entebbe zoo while handing over the approved procedures for all Tourism sectors and enterprises after Cabinet approved them with guidance from the World Health organization and the Ministry of Health.

“Government is committed to ensure proper regulation and implementation of the set health guidelines. The government will lead the implementation of the guidelines so that Corona virus is not spread to people.”
Minister Butime noted that in 2019, the tourism sector generated revenue worth Shs 1.6billion and contributed 9% to the Growth Domestic Product (GDP).
Butime revealed that the lockdown caused a huge loss to the tourism sector resulting into loss of jobs, financial loss but expressed optimism saying they have developed a sustainability plan to address
these challenges. “Government is making efforts to normalize people’s livelihoods and it has developed a financial recovery plan. Dr. James Musinguzi, the Executive Director, Uganda Wildlife Conservation Center (UWEC), thanked the donors who donated food to wild animals during the difficult times of the lockdown and revealed that this round the conservation center will only allow a maximum of
300 visitors on daily basis. “We shall allow visitors to enter the zoo facility in three phases and we shall be allowing 100 visitors per phase. We shall ensure all
visitors are thoroughly checked with a temperature thermometer gun, wash their hands with sanitizers and they will all have to wear face masks before accessing the zoo facilities.” Vincent De Paul Kayanja, the Entebbe municipality mayor expressed
happiness upon reopening the tourism sector saying this will boost business in the area. “When the zoo is reopened the tourists will buy commodities like crafts from Entebbe people and this will help to boost our local businesses.

Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism
and wildlife Antiquities noted the COVID 19 pandemic adversely hit the Tourism sector and advised the tourism operators to implement the standard operating procedures so as to revive tourism in the country.

“Indeed the pandemic has impacted negatively on our economy since many
people lost jobs and income. I advise hotel operators to observe the standard operation procedures in order to revive their businesses.

Flavia Kabehanda, the chairperson Board of Trustees at Entebbe Uganda Wildlife Conservation Center (UWEC) hailed the Tourism Minister for expediting the reopening of the Tourism sector and enterprises which earn the country a lot of foreign exchange.

“Entebbe zoo is the hub for domestic tourism and management is ready to practice the set standard operation procedures to ensure safety of our clients.

Steven Masaba, who represented Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said as they re-open business at UWA, they have banned weddings and parties at the National parks.
“We shall observe the SOPs and we are ready for tourism and to receive visitors from tour operators.