Corona Virus 2019 Advisory - Uganda
- Uganda
- Resources
- Social Services
- Social Services
Quick information guide
- Security
In case of corruption call:
- The Uganda Revenue Authority: 0800 117 000
In case of sexual harassment call:
- The Uganda Police Force: 999 (this number can also be used under any distressing circumstances)
To mitigate harassment:
- Register your business to avoid possible harassment and extortion by some Revenue or Local Council Officers;
- Register online to avoid middlemen and racketeers;
- Always safeguard business registration and license receipts as well as immigration documents to avoid double charges and blackmail, including demand for sexual favors, from some unscrupulous Offcers;
- Always save the toll-free telephone contacts for police and civil society organizations dealing with women rights.
More information for your safety
- Always use officially gazetted routes;
- Use recognized registered clearing agents, retain a copy of all documents handed to the agents;
- Have your valid identification documents, retain a copy in a separate safe place such as online accounts;
- Save contacts of the relevant and nearest security personnel;
- Conduct business during banking hours and insist on a bank transfer/mobile money
2. Health
The Government of Uganda is implementing an HIV “test and treat” policy for all children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, all adolescents and adults diagnosed with HIV. People tested HIV positive are provided with lifelong ART
Social Services in Uganda
1. Security
Uganda has established 4 main organizations responsible for state security. These are:
- Internal Security Organization (ISO);
- External Security Organization (ESO);
- Uganda Police Force; and
- Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces.
The Police closely works with other state organs like the Judiciary and the Human Rights Commission in ensuring justice for the citizens. In an effort to enhance the rights of women and children, the Uganda Police has established a Child and Family Protection Unit at each police station. The Criminal Investigation Department of the Police handles business crimes.
The Judiciary also hosts a dedicated Family Division Court and a Commercial Court.
At the grassroots level there are police posts throughout the country and lower magistrate’s courts as well as Local councils and local council courts to arbitrate disputes including commercial cases. The highest court is the Supreme Court composed of 5-7 judges at each sitting. The others in a descending order are Court of Appeal, High Court, Chief magistrate’s court, and Grade one, Grade two magistrates’ court and Local Council Courts. In the Police system are police outposts and posts at the local levels, police stations at the district level, regional police office at regional/provincial level and the and the national headquarters with different directorates.
Safest routes when conducting business and safest travel hours
- All highways leading to, from and through the capital city are safe being under a 24-hour security surveillance.
- Both passenger and cargo vehicles move through the day and night and may occasionally be subject to intermittent checks by the police or revenue security.
- Major streets and highways within the vicinity of Kampala City are under CCTV surveillance cameras for security monitoring purposes
- For border crossing, it is advisable to use the 40 gazetted border points where the customs and immigration staff operate on a 24-hour basis and security for the traders/passengers and their merchandise is guaranteed.(Hellene has a map showing border posts)
*As is with any society, it is advisable to conduct business transactions during official banking hours
2. Health
The Ministry of Health is committed to facilitating the attainment of a good standard of health for all the people in Uganda by promoting human rights and gender equality to reduce inequality and promote fairness in accessing and receiving healthcare.
Preventing and managing HIV/AIDS
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an integral part of HIV prevention, care and support. The Health Sector is implementing an HIV “test and treat” policy for all children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, all adolescents and adults diagnosed with HIV. The “test and treat” policy involves providing lifelong ART to people living with HIV irrespective of CD4 or WHO HIV clinical staging.
In compliance with WHO recommendation, all limitations on eligibility for ART among all people living with HIV have been removed: all populations and age groups are now eligible for treatment.
Corona Virus 2019 Advisory
WHAT MUST BE DONE
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or, use an alcohol-based hand rub. This will remove the virus if it is on your hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or a handkerchief when coughing and sneezing. Throw away the used tissue immediately into a dustbin or burn it and wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. The handkerchief must be washed by yourself daily and ironed with a hot iron. In this way, you protect others from any virus released through coughs and sneezes.
- Maintain a reasonable distance between yourself and someone who is coughing, sneezing (at least 1 meter apart).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus, and you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical care immediately. If possible, call health workers and alert them about your condition. Always follow the guidance of your health care worker.
- People with flu-like symptoms should use face masks to cover the nose and mouth and stay home in a well-ventilated room.
- If you are caring for individuals who have symptoms, such as cough and fever, you are encouraged to use a face mask to cover your nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, car doors elevator buttons etc. daily with regular household disinfectant or soap.
- All people coming from countries affected by Coronavirus disease should follow the guidance given by health workers at the airport and other border entry points.
WHAT MUST NOT BE DONE
- Avoid hand-shaking and hugging at all times.
- Avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sneeze).
- When sick with flu-like symptoms avoid going to public places, offices and public gatherings, remain at home in isolation to avoid infecting others.
- You do not need to wear medical masks if you do not have respiratory symptoms such as cough, sneezing or running nose.
- Don’t take self-medication such as an antibiotic.
- Do not spit in public. Find a secluded place like toilets or pit latrines in which to spit in.
- Delay travel to countries that currently have many patients with Coronavirus disease. If you MUST travel, please follow the above protective measures.
- Avoid travel if you have flu-like symptoms
Safety Measures during Mass Gatherings
Organizers of mass gathering must ensure that handwashing facilities or alcohol-based sanitizers and temperature-screening materials are available at venue entry points.
The Ministry of Health appeals to the general public to remain calm and vigilant and always verify information from the Ministry of Health to avoid spreading false rumours which may cause unnecessary anxiety.
The public is also advised to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility or call our toll-free lines on 0800-203-033 and 0800-100-066 or the following officers – Mr Atek Kagirita 0782 909 153, Dr Allan Muruta- 0772 460297.
Hon Jane Ruth Aceng; MINISTER FOR HEALTH; 28th February 2020