Uganda Airlines on Saturday announced the immediate suspension of operations in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The national carrier announced the indefinite halt of operations in a statement, requesting passengers who had booked tickets to seek a refund or reschedule them to a further date.

"This is in the interest of ensuring the safety of our customers, staff ad the public, compliance with the rapidly evolving travel restrictions, and the various national and international obligations in the global fight against COVID-19 pandemic," the statement said.

Uganda recorded its first COVID-19 case on Saturday, a 36-year-old Ugandan male who arrived from Dubai on Saturday 21 March 2020.

The announcement prompted an address by President Yoweri Museveni, who suspended passenger flights into the country.

In a separate address on Sunday, President Museveni urged Ugandans to adhere to the set guidelines.

"Let us be tough so that we defeat this enemy and go back to our normal life. If we are lousy, we shall really suffer," he said.

Uganda is one of 43 African countries that have recorded COVID-19 cases. The continent has reported more than 1,000 cases, as governments bolster their responses against the disease.

Source(s): Uganda Airlines