The Big Story

LAST FLIGHT OUT: European Union to assist nationals fly out of Uganda over Covid-19

Even though Europe and the United States are some of the worst hit places by Covid-19, the US and EU missions in Uganda are coordinating a last-flight-out for interested nationals.

The European Union Delegation in Uganda is providing consular support to nationals of its member countries to assist them to return home, should they wish to do so.

CEO East Africa has however learned that the EU mission to Uganda, working with its different member country embassies, is only assisting in coordinating the flight(s)- but is not footing the bill. Those who wish to go back home will foot their own bills home.

It is also understood that the EU delegation is negotiating with the government of Uganda for special flight access and access for its citizens to Entebbe International Airport, since all Ugandan borders and airports are shut to international and domestic travels, except for cargo and UN flights.

This is as Ugandan confirmed cases of Corona hit 45 yesterday, April 2nd, 2020.

Notices on all of the delegation’s online platforms are telling citizens of EU countries to contact their respective embassies to arrange for the travel.

“Are you an EU national currently in Uganda but wanting to return to Europe as soon as possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Here is an important message to you! In that case, please; contact your national embassy for further instructions; if your country does not have an embassy in Uganda, please contact your embassy in the region which also covers Uganda, or your honorary consul,” reads the announcement on the delegation’s website.

The announcement further tells EU nationals who may not know which embassy to turn to, to contact any other EU Member State embassy in Uganda or the EU Delegation.

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“The EU missions in Uganda and accredited to Uganda are working closely to try and reach solutions to help EU nationals wanting to leave the country due to the pandemic. In the meantime, we urge all Europeans to follow the instructions of the Ugandan,” further reads the announcement.

The American embassy is also arranging a flight for its nationals aboard an April 3rd Qatar Airways, which we understand has been specially arranged for the flight mission.

“Individuals who provided their information in advance of our Monday deadline have been passed on to Qatar Airways (QA) and Qatar Airways staff are in the process of finalizing bookings on its Friday, April 3 flight, including securing payments from travelers.  Some individuals or families were also successful in booking and paying for their flight(s) on the Qatar Airways website.  We are in touch with these individuals directly about obtaining permission to travel to the airport,” reads an announcement on the US mission’s website.

The embassy however clarified that officially, the US government does not plan to evacuate any Americans out of Uganda.

“This is not a U.S. government-controlled flight, nor is it a charter flight. The flight is controlled by Qatar Airways and subject to its rules and cancellation policies.  The U.S. government does not plan to evacuate U.S. citizens from Uganda.  This may be the last flight out of Uganda for the foreseeable future,” said the notice.

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About the Author

Muhereza Kyamutetera is the Executive Editor of CEO East Africa Magazine. I am a travel enthusiast and the Experiences & Destinations Marketing Manager at EDXTravel. Extremely Ugandaholic. Ask me about #1000Reasons2ExploreUganda and how to Take Your Place In The African Sun.

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