COVID19 Lockdown: Factories Halt Production

Operations at several factories in Kampala city and the surrounding industrial parks have come to a standstill following the total lockdown by government to fight the spread of coronavirus.

The lockdown that was instituted by President Museveni also includes a curfew that starts from 7pm to 6:30am every day.

The President shut down most activities, but allowed the manufacturing sector to continue operating after ensuring capacity to follow the set standard operating procedures by Ministry of Health.

“We would like the factories to keep producing because that is the life-blood of the country. However, the danger is in the workers going home and coming back.  It is that daily movement that must be frozen,” he said

“Let the factory owners arrange for the crucial employees to camp around the factory area for the 14 days.  If they cannot do that, let them suspend production for 14 days.” the President added

According to Uganda Manufacturer’s Association, some factories will not be in position to operate as usual during the lockdown.

Simon Kaheru, a board member of the manufacturer’s association told Chimpreports that the production chain of many industries has been affected by the prevailing pandemic.

“It is an unfortunate reality that some factories won’t be able to operate but this is a trade-off for the greater good of public safety. For two weeks the country will try to go without some essential services and make do with what we can so we can save more lives in future by controlling the spread of COVID-19,” he said

“Yes, costs of production are increasing because we have to make arrangements for our staff to be encamped but in a part of the factory premises that is far removed from the production facility itself. We also have increased transportation costs and, understandably, all the safety measures we have stepped up in recent weeks must also be taken into account.” he added

Nevertheless, the expert pointed out that as manufacturers, they understand the need for the measures in the interest of public safety, “and that’s why we are focusing on People first – our employees, our customers and the general public.”

Officials from one of the food processing factories in Namanve industrial intimated to chimp corps that on Monday, they decided to stop production in order to restructure their man power.

The factory employs more than 500 workers who are rotated in two shifts.

We have also learnt that industries within the parks had already started facing shortage of man power as many laborers could not report on duty due to the shutdown on public transport.

However, experts anticipate that a halt in production is most likely to affect the supply chain of essential products such as food flour during the prevailing crisis which may lead to price hikes.