IOM Boosts Uganda’s Preparation to Open Entebbe Airport

As Uganda is planning to reopen Entebbe airport, the International Organization for Migration is launching a project to support the move.

Funded by the government of Denmark, this project will include installation of surveillance cameras at the airport and other entry points like borders to aid the fight against COVID-19.

IOM handed over a wealth of equipment and supplies to support Entebbe airport as it prepares to welcome commercial traffic after six months of closure.

The equipment provided includes automated sanitizers, air conditioners, automatic computerized Thermo scanner, hand washing equipment, sanitizers, gloves, personal protective equipment and walk through booth disinfector with the temperature reading.

The minister of state in charge of Transport said that the equipment received from IOM will greatly complement the measures in place to ensure that passengers safely pass through Entebbe International Airport.

This contribution made by IOM is valued at USD 204000. The project will be implemented in partnership with the ministry of health, internal affairs, works, district local governments and Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.

IOM’s support will supplement the earlier work done at the airport by the UN World Food Programme. This international organization put up a temporary screening terminal at the airport which cost USD 25000.

Apart from Entebbe airport, the project will be extended to other points of entry in the southern districts of Kyotera, Rakai and northern borders like elegu.

This project aims to strengthen the capacities at points of entry majorly to detect and respond to COVID-19 cases urgently. This will boost the eligibility of the Government to trace for migration movements and the testing rate.

“This project aims to strengthen measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. This is expected to be done by reinforcing disease surveillance and prevention activities at the Points of Entry, following International Health Regulations”, said Sanusi Tejan Savage, the IOM Uganda Chief of Mission.

The UN Resident Coordinator for Uganda “Rosa Malango”, said that the temporary terminal put up by WFP would help ensure enough physical distancing and also isolate those suspected to have COVID-19.