Life has been returning to normal in Uganda, but perhaps a little too normal. The country is now facing a dramatic spike in its Covid-19 caseload. This Vox Populi photo essay captures life on the streets of downtown Kampala, where adherence to government guidelines appears to be falling on deaf ears.
Uganda has been praised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) for its swift and strict measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. The confirmed caseload in the country is under 3000 and 29 people have so far died. However, the last couple of weeks have seen a dramatic spike in numbers, with an increase of 300% according to the WHO.
As the government eased lockdown over the past two months, many Ugandans have returned to life as normal. However, government guidelines, otherwise known as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on social distancing, mask wearing, and rules around public transport are being ignored by large sections of the public.
With case numbers on the rise, particularly in the capital city, Minister for Kampala Betty Amongi recently warned Kampala residents that non-compliance with SOPs would result in a recommendation to the President that a new lockdown be imposed. Meanwhile, in an address on the 29th August, the President himself warned citizens about the need to remain disciplined as the nation navigates the easing of lockdown measures.
The President also referred to how conflicting information about the pandemic could be resulting in a lack of discipline among the population. There has been a rising scepticism in sections of the country – particularly as case numbers remained so low – where people have been questioning the very existence of the disease. Mis-information around Covid-19 testing and factors that result in conflicting results has added to the confusion. See our article ‘Clearing the Confusion on Covid-19 Testing’.
The government remains locked in discussion about the re-opening of churches, schools and bars. However, with daily infections reaching almost 100 a day, a return to stricter lockdown measures may become the new focus of discussion.
A boda boda rider carrying a passenger without a mask in Kampala on 24th August 2020 contrary to the presidential directive that both driver and passenger wear masks. Minister for Kampala Betty Amongi recently warned Kampala residents that non-compliance with SOPs would result in a recommendation to the President that a new lockdown be imposed. CREDIT: Vox Populi
A boda boda rider and a passenger both without masks in Kampala on 24th August 2020 contrary to the presidential directive that both driver and passenger wear masks.. Many people have neglected ministry of health and government SOPs but after the increase of Covid-19 positive cases and deaths, government pointed out a possibility for a second lock down. CREDIT: Vox Populi
A boda boda rider without a mask carrying two passengers in Kampala on 24th August 2020 contrary to the presidential directive that one bike should carry no more than one passenger. The President has warned citizens about the need to remain disciplined as the nation navigates the easing of lockdown measures. CREDIT: Vox Populi
A water point at which people wash hands before accessing a building in Kampala. Although these sanitation points are common, cases in the city have been rising quickly in recent weeks. CREDIT: Vox Populi
Congestion in Uganda’s capital city, Kampala. Many can be seen walking without face masks and social distancing appears to be totally ignored. This happened just after the lock down and some city arcades have failed to observe the SOPs as positive cases increase and deaths rise. CREDIT: Vox Populi
A man selling sanitizers in Kampala city centre on Monday 24th August 2020. America’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. CREDIT: Vox Populi
Congestion in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. The nation is recording almost 100 new cases daily as the possibility of a second lockdown looms. CREDIT: Vox Populi
Shopping arcades have become highly congested and the government has considered closing some of them after owners failed to follow the guidelines set by the Kampala authorities. CREDIT: Vox Populi
A street pastor preaching on the streets of Kampala without a mask. It has been advised that any person speaking in public should wear a face mask. CREDIT: Vox Populi
Kampala citizens washing hands before entering a shopping arcade in the city centre. Washing hands is one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Despite the prevalence of washing points, the city has seen a dramatic spike in infections in recent weeks. CREDIT: Vox Populi
A Kampala shopper receives sanitizer while having their temperature checked before entering a shopping arcade. A high temperature is one of the main symptoms of coronavirus. CREDIT: Vox Populi
Kikubo in down-town Kampala is one of the most congested places in the city. Social distancing appears all but impossible while many people can be seen without face masks. CREDIT : Vox Populi
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