This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
On May 19, 2020, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni addressed the nation on government efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
As part of these efforts, President Museveni announced that all Ugandans aged six years and above will receive free face masks to protect themselves against the virus.
"This mask must be worn all the time when you are in public. Whether you are sneezing, talking or coughing. Since many people raised the issue that they cannot afford these masks, the government has decided to provide these masks to all Ugandans (aged) six years and above," Mr Museveni said in a televised address.
Children below the age of six will not be required to wear masks, as they cannot safely do so.
The face masks will be distributed through the Local Council (LC) system, with one mask per person aged six and above.
Public transport will resume on June 2, 2020, after all Ugandans have received their free face masks.
However, public transport will not be allowed in border districts of Uganda for another 21 days.
Additionally, boda bodas and tuk tuks will not be allowed to carry passengers, while bars, salons, gyms, and swimming pools will remain closed for the next 21 days.
People with private cars will be allowed to drive, but each car must not carry more than three people, including the driver.
The ongoing curfew will also remain in force for another 21 days.
