KAMPALA – President Museveni has announced that “some arcades” will be allowed to reopen – provided they have fulfilled the standard operating procedures.
The President says that there are altogether 230 arcades. Of these, 171 were inspected, out of which only 110 were found to be compliant with required guidelines.
These are the ones that will be allowed to re-open.
“The others must fulfill the requirements,” declares Museveni.
Key among the requirements are, Temperature guns, social distancing, Handwashing, No traders or other people in the corridors, No traders on the verandahs and on the steps of the roadside.
The President has also announced that they must keep records of everybody who buy from there.
In case the seller falls sick, the president said it will be easier to follow up on the people who shopped from their business unit. He added that the sellers and shoppers in the arcade must keep social distance and that “No air-conditioning”.
He added that everybody must wear face masks and that there should be enough toilets. If an arcade does not have enough toilets, it will be closed permanently.
President Yoweri Museveni is delivering his 19th address on the coronavirus pandemic in Uganda and related issues.
Saloons also allowed getting back to business
“No worries. The President has allowed your favorite saloon to re-open, but with clear guidelines to be observed.”
Boda Bodas to resume ferrying passengers
But they will get back to carrying passengers on July 27 – six days from today.
The President has admitted that he had been worried about allowed Boda Bodas being allowed to resume ferrying passengers, but that he says his fears were allayed by information from scientists.
The President added that while he has allowed the commuter motorcycles to get back to passenger business, they can only work until 6 pm local time.
Curfew has been extended from the earlier 7 pm to 9 pm.
The President has congratulated Ugandans – and especially the health workers on the frontline – for battling this science-led war against the coronavirus.
He then goes on to explain how, a couple of weeks into lockdown, they had to think about which economic, social and spiritual activities could be undertaken safely – without putting the lives of Ugandans at risk.
He briefly highlights how the food markets were allowed to operate, as were essential services, and followed by the easing of more lockdown measures as the country took on a phased lifting of its lockdown in a bid to resuscitate a heavily-hit economy.
On Education, the president said that the government will make a major decision on schools opening in September but for now, “continue with distance learning).
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