Bars, Concerts, Cinemas, Beaches All to Remain Closed Until Next Year in January

Speaking to the country, President Museveni said that Covid transmission rate has gone down to an average of 124 cases per day from 1445 cases at the peak of the second wave in June even though bars and such centers are still a high risk.

“The daily average number of deaths has declined to six from 67 at peak of the second wave in June. Because of the tough measures we took, only 340 people are in hospital at one time. We now have spare capacity of hospital beds,” Museveni said.

He consequently allowed churches, mosques and other places of worship to reopen but noted they will only accommodate 200 people at a time.

Bars and other places of entertainment were two years back closed as a measure to control the spread of the deadly virus that has ravaged the world.

“Bars are high risk areas where individuals have no sobriety to observe SOPs. You cant go to a bar and expect soberness. You can’t find social distancing and putting on masks in a bar. Even walking is a problem (for drunkards).Because of that problem, they will be considered for reopening when we have vaccinated the six or so people in December,” he said.

The president said curfew time remains between 7pm and 5am.

Museveni insisted that Covid is not a “serious” disease if people listened and followed advice by government and scientists.

“If people had not disobeyed in May and April, we would have avoided the first and second waves. We could have avoided the one in November when people were campaigning and holding rallies saying we are dictators telling people not to gather,” he said.

The development of easing the Covid restrictions comes on the backdrop of an increased number of Ugandans who have been vaccinated against Covid.