Ugandans caught up abroad had their prayers to return home rejected.

President Yoweri Museveni pinpointed unfairness in the process and demanded the matter be sent to cabinet.

President Museveni while addressing the nation on the deadly Covid-19 acknowledged the need to fly home those trapped in other countries.

However, he was concerned about the criteria being considered by government officials to return people.

Museveni blasted: “2500 people want to return home, I don’t want segregation in handling this issue. There should be a clear policy that can be followed.”

A letter circulated on social media on how Foreign Affairs minister Sam Kutesa had authorized a group of Ugandans stuck in Ethiopia to be flown back home via Ethiopian Airlines.

The letter read in part: “This letter grants permission to board the following persons on Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa to Entebbe International Airport on Monday, 18th May 2020.”

The persons approved to return included; Kagoya Hasifa, Prof. Oswald Ndolerire Kyamulesire, Wodulo Denis, Ojokol Ernest, Ajoan Julius, Obuku Andrew Ekii, Naiga Vivienne, Namuli Susan, Walusansa Samuel and Mugisha Leens Bernard.

The head of state argued that he was concerned about the country’s capacity to handle more cases since most the returnees are from highly infected countries.

He said: “Ugandans caught by the pandemic abroad. If all our people came back in panic, how will we manage them? You have seen how much trouble lorry drivers are giving us. I cannot accept cargo planes being use to transport passengers.”

President Museveni shut the airport in late March after Uganda received her first Covid-19 case of a citizen returning from Dubai.

Museveni refused to open the airport in last night’s address to the nation. He said along with the borders, are the biggest source of the infection.

The President eased the lock down by allowing public transport, restaurants and hotels to open plus non mall shops selling merchandise.