UK announces UGX 2.6bn support to help Uganda respond to COVID-19

The UK Government announces its support to the Government of Uganda’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 disease and to respond to the impacts of SARS-COV-2 coronavirus. 

We are supporting Government of Uganda (GoU) at both national and district levels.  We have provided £500,000 to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to strengthen testing, surveillance and contact tracing, as well as screening at Uganda’s borders. With a contribution of £167,000 to the World Food Programme we have established a temporary screening facility for international arrivals at Entebbe Airport.  Our health programmes continue their work to protect health workers and essential health services.

Minister of Health Uganda, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng

The UK recognises the importance of maintaining safe trade routes between Uganda and her neighbours.  Through Trade Mark East Africa, we support the ongoing expansion of a regional electronic cargo tracking system and are working to help protect drivers and communities at points of entry and along transit routes.  We continue to support the GoU to protect elderly people and refugees; as well as in maintaining learning while schools are closed.

The Head of Office of the UK’s International Development arm in Uganda, Andrew Ockenden said:

“Our contribution will help cater for the most immediate public health needs in Uganda to help counter the spread of the virus. The UK has already been a strong and constant international partner throughout the Ebola response and is key player in the fight against malaria. We remain committed to the Ugandan people and are proud to now be able to help in the fight against Coronavirus in Uganda.”