The number of COVID-19 infections in Uganda has surpassed the 150,000 mark as the country continues to grapple with an influx of new cases.

According to figures published by the health ministry on Thursday, the country recorded 1,759 new cases from 8,659 tests conducted on Jan. 4, bringing its total number of reported cases to 150,301.

The new infections represented a positivity rate of 20.3 per cent.

In the same day, the ministry recorded 12 new deaths, bringing the total number of virus-related fatalities to 3,325.

The East African country's total number of reported cases is the 15th highest recorded on the continent.

The Ugandan government is banking on vaccinations to protect the public and contain the virus.

So far, 11,922, 428 doses of vaccines have been administered across the country.