The Ministry of Health has embarked on a mass vaccination against Covid-19. The campaign dubbed “operation last lap” targets people aged 18 years and above and it started from Teso and Lango sub-regions.
Dr. Alfred Driwale, the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Vaccines and Immunization at the Ministry of Health says that the exercise shall run until November 15th before extending to other regions.
This is one of the latest government strategies to kindle Uganda’s economic and tourism sectors amidst the covid-19 pandemic before fully re-opening by January 2022.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister, Col Tom Butiime described the ongoing mass vaccination as critical in the quest to rekindle the sector.
“Once a huge percentage of our population are fully vaccinated, we are sure of reopening the economy. We want locals to engage in tourism activities as it is the only way the sector can prosper,” Minister Butime said.
Minister Butime is optimistic the tourism sector shall strive again once the country is fully re-opened adding that tourism can only prosper if it engages the local population by contributing to social values such as participation, education, and enhanced local governance.
“I urge fellow Ugandans to actively participate in the debate of making tourism work for inclusive growth. Visit the attractions and engage in responsible tourism especially during this time of the pandemic,” Butime said.
The tourism sector has encountered major disruptions and losses since the COVID-19 pandemic began on March 21, 2020.
Some of the most popular cheap travel attractions for domestic tourism in Uganda include; the source of the Nile in Jinja, Zoo (UWEC – Uganda Wildlife Education Center) in Entebbe-Kampala, and zip lining in Mabira Forest.
Others are Aruu Falls in Pader district, relaxing at the paradisaical Lake Bunyonyi, Kabaka Lake in Kampala, the paradisaical Ssese Islands in Kalangala, Buvuma Islands, Kasubi Royal Tombs, the Uganda Martyrs Shrines in Namugongo, Uganda Museum, and ssezibwa falls among others.
Dr. Jane Acheng Ochero, the Health Minister says they target to vaccinate over 1.1 million people in Lango, and Teso regions during the ongoing mass vaccination drive.
Last month, health officials extended vaccination activities to public places like bars, places of worship, and market areas but less than a quarter of the targeted population in the region have been vaccinated.
Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa with its dense misty forests, snow-peaked mountains, glassy lakes, and sprawling savannas, it’s no wonder Winston Churchill dubbed this wonderful country the ‘pearl of Africa’.
While mountain gorillas are the allure for many visitors, there’s an astounding variety of attractions for tourists including,Bwindi Impenetrable Forests , Rwenzori Mountain , Queen Elizabeth , Murchison Falls , Kibale Forest , Mt. Elgon , Semliki , Kidepo Valley , and Lake Mburo National Parks and The source of the Nile among others.
Ugandans have been asked to come in their big numbers and embrace this mass vaccination exercise against the Covid 19 virus to support the government efforts to fully open the economy next year 2022.
