Ssenyonyi Questions Continued Covid Testing at State House

What the report says

Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has asked why Covid-19 screening is still being carried out for people entering State House, arguing that the practice could send the wrong signal about Uganda’s health status and harm the country’s image abroad. He raised the issue in Parliament on Thursday, focusing on visitors and delegations expected at the presidential compound.

According to Nile Post, Ssenyonyi said the continued tests may suggest that Uganda is still dealing with the coronavirus, which he linked to the possibility of travel restrictions affecting Ugandans. His comments came amid broader concerns in Parliament about health-related scrutiny on Ugandan travelers and the reputational impact of keeping pandemic-era procedures in place.

Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi responded that Covid-19 is no longer regarded as a major threat and said he would advise State House to reconsider the testing requirement. He also said the government is engaging countries that have maintained travel restrictions on Uganda and is sharing updated information through foreign missions to show that the country is safe for travel and business.

The discussion reflects how governments are adjusting public health protocols after the World Health Organization ended the global Covid-19 emergency in May 2023. Parliament’s Deputy Speaker directed the Ministry of Health to return in two weeks with an update on its talks with countries still restricting travel from Uganda.