Parents in Kampala have been advised not to send their day schooling children to school tomorrow Friday 20th March 2020, following the President’s directive that all schools be closed by midday tomorrow.
The minister for Kampala, Betty Amongi told a press briefing in Kampala on Thursday that the decision is to ensure day scholars do not collide with parents who will be picking children in boarding section.
“All boarding schools should be closed as per H.E directive i.e by midday effective 20th March 2020” she said.
The minister added that KCCA enforcement officers have been tasked to enforce the closure of all Bars, Discos, Sports, Music shows, Cinemas and concerts. “This includes bars located inside the hotels. Anyone who fails to abide shall face the legal consequences including suspecting their trading licenses” she warned.
According to Minister Amongi, only gazetted markets shall be allowed to operate in the city. We shall issue them with standard operation procedures developed by ministry of health. All other markets including open street markets, weekly markets, and roadside markets among others are prohibited from operating from today 19th March 2020” Amongi added.
On public transport, the minister says they are already putting in place hand washing facilities in taxi/bus parks, markets and other strategic locations within the city. Engagements are ongoing with managers and owners of arcades and private parks to provide such services in their premises. SOP for buses traveling to neighboring countries have been developed by MOH which she says will be enforced or such travelers.
“Our law enforcement officers have been directed to enforce compliance with the guidelines on religious gatherings which prohibits prayers in Churches, Mosques, open air prayers and services on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We applaud religious leaders who have already issued statements stopping the services” the minister said.
She noted that the KCCA teams are already patrolling the city and they are engaging other security agencies or backup support, should need arise. Amongi further urged members of the public, LC leaders within the city and the media to report any person or entity violating the presidential directives to allow authorities take swift action.
