Uganda on Monday reported 179 new COVID-19 cases from 3,473 tests conducted over the last 24 hours, taking the country's total tally to 4,978.

Figures announced by the East African country's health ministry also showed one more death, bringing the total number of fatalities to 56.

Uganda has seen a recent spike in new infections, having seen an initial slow rise in its caseload.

Continentally, the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections stood at 1,353,283 with 32,625 deaths, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Uganda's latest figures come as the World Health Organization urged countries to remain vigilant and keep track of possible mutation of the virus.

"As we continue to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa, being able to not only track its evolution, but also assess the possible mutation of the virus is crucial to mounting an effective response," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. "Through this new laboratory network dedicated to genome sequencing we can better develop vaccines and treatment which are tailored to Africans and eventually bring COVID-19 under control."