Cabinet Decides Next Week on Reopening Arcades

Cabinet is expected on Monday next week to come up with a conclusive decision regarding the opening up of all arcades which remain closed under presidential directives to prevent the spread of COVID19.

This was revealed on Wednesday by Trade Minister Hon Amelia Kyambadde while she received a report from an interim committee which was set up to come up with guidelines on all shopping centres.

This committee headed by Faridah Mayanja the RCC Kampala, had members like Hajji Hamis Kiggundu representing city landlords, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) representatives, Ministry of Health officials and the tenants’ representatives.

Upon receiving this report, the minister said she would present it before cabinet on Monday to analyse it and come up with a way forward.

“These Arcades need to be opened; the owners and tenants will implement the standard operating procedures put in place. If they are no opened, tenants will have nowhere to learn from in implementing regulations,” she said.

Kyambadde went on to warn that those arcades that will be found in violation of any of the set up procedures will be closed without any further warning.

Hon Benna Namugwanya Bugembe the State Minster for Kampala asked all stakeholders involved to play their part in observance of the guidelines.

On his part, Hamis Kiggundu assured the Minster that he is going to work hand in with fellow land lords to ensure that set up guidelines are implemented in a timely manner.

Among these is to reduce the number of tenants to a maximum of three per shop, provide hand washing facilities at all entrances, clearing all corridors for free air circulation as well as temperature guns at all entry points.

In his recent address President Yoweri Museveni allowed malls and the shops on the arcades but facing the main roads to open as government studies how to open up arcades without exposing the occupants to the Coronavirus threat.