As the country enters week two of reopening, several Arcades and shopping malls in Kampala remain closed, while about 70 have been cleared to open for business, following their compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs and other guidelines set by Ministry of health and President Yoweri Museveni.
On 30th July 2021, President Museveni partially lifted the lockdown that had lasted 42 days and reopened some sectors with restrictions. Among those reopened were arcades in the Kampala CBD with emphasis on Kikuubo and surrounding business areas, arcades and malls.
This was to be after KCCA and enforcement carrying out assessment on the suitability of the business premises with focus on Covid-19 Standard operating procedures as per Ministry of Health guidelines.
According to Hon. Hajat Minsa Kabanda Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, the Public Health team at KCCA together with other agencies namely; Internal Security, Military Police, Uganda Police Force and Ministry of Trade, Industry & Cooperatives were constituted into an inspection team to assess the suitability and compliance of the arcades based on a checklist that ensured adherence to Covid-19 SOPs and in conformity with Public Health and Physical Planning statutes.
The arcade owners, their leaders and trader Association leaders were fully involved in the drafting of the said checklist. On the 3rd day of August, 2021, nine (9) inspection teams each comprised of the above mentioned agencies set out to conduct inspections in the CBD with the guide of the inspection checklist which focuses on Compliance to all Covid-SOPs including but not limited to; Presence of compliance officers, Corridors and access ways have to be clear, Observance of proper hygiene and Sanitation, Adequate lighting and ventilation, Dedicated entry and exit, Registration of tenants, Installation of CCTV cameras, Use of PPEs and sanitizers, Social distancing and Approved building plans.
By close of last week, 146 of the 178 arcades had been inspected of which 76 were recommended for re-opening by the inspection teams while 70 did not meet the minimum requirements for reopening and were advised to put the required SOPs in place then invite the team for re-inspection.
“We have noted with concern that some arcades have re-opened without fulfilling compliance requirements set out. These are to be enforced upon without compromise. We have this morning closed Gaza Land and Corner arcade for denying access to the inspection team. We are continuing the enforcement exercise and shall not hesitate to prosecute anyone continuing to put people’s lives in danger” the Minister warned.Sh
e added that where one is dissatisfied with the re-inspection decision, he/she can appeal to a team led by the Resident City Commissioner (RCC). This team is comprised of (RCC, the Deputy Executive Director, Deputy RCC and Director Legal Affairs).
“Let us all remember that Covid 19 is still here and the world over. Our compliance as City shall determine whether the economy reopens successfully or we face a third wave. I therefore, appeal to each one of you to uphold the SOPs communicated by the Ministry of Health and abide by the government set curfew hours” the minister adds.
Some of the Arcades allowed to re-open include; Annet Plaza, Aponye Building, Apple Towers, Arua Park Mall, Arua Park Plaza, Bulamu Bwebugaga, Cham Towers, Discount Plaza, Cornerstone Plaza, E Tower and Eagle Plaza.
Others include; Equatorial Shopping Mall old and new, Grand Plaza, Ham Shopping Arcade, Hardware Plaza, Jenna Plaza, Justine Plaza, Kampala Plaza, Kiseka Traders Arcade, Kooki Tower, Mabirizi Complex, Magoba Shopping Arcade, Market Plaza, Mega Plaza, Mutasa Kafero Plaza, Nalubega Plaza, Parkview, Royal Plaza, Sekaziga House, Spare World and Trinity Tower among others.
Those not allowed to re-open include; Amina Willian street, Arrow complex, Aria Parka Plaza A & B, Avemar Shopping Center, Barmako House, Dembe Arcade, Fidodido Building, Dortune Plaza, Jemba Plaza, Jesico Beauty, Kampala Plaza, Kabale Arcade, Kizito Towers, Majestic Plaza, Malaika Building, Nakasero Complex, Nabugabo Business Center, Namaganda Plaza, Nasar Road Mall, Old Park Royal, Qualicel house, Skylight among others.
