The closure of Entebbe international airport to passenger flights and putting the country under lockdown in March due to COVID-19 meant that the tourism sector was put to a standstill.
When the lockdown was eased last month, some tourist sites like Murchison Falls National Park partially opened to local tourists because the airport is still closed to international passenger flights.
With the aim of promoting local tourism, the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe commonly referred to as Entebbe Zoo is soon reopening as well to local tourists, according to James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of the Wildlife Center.
Musinguzi said that the reopening is subject to following the Standard Operating Procedures by the Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Tourists will have their body temperatures taken, directed to sanitize their hands, and there will be hand-washing facilities in different spots in the Zoo.
Musinguzi said that they will allow only a certain number of tourists in the Zoo to prevent overcrowding and maintain social distancing, whereas school groups will have to book prior to their intended day of the tour for planning purposes.
Tourism is one of the biggest revenue earners for the government but the COVID-19 pandemic has brought it to its knees but with the reopening of airports looming, the sector is expected to recover.