The government of Uganda and Kampala City landlords, after a closed door meeting yesterday, have reached agreement on the hitherto re-opening of business arcades, Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde comfirms.
Minister Kyambadde, while addressing journalists, has said that an agreement was reached to allow traders resume business in the said arcades as discussions on how to handle rent for the previous months are still ongoing.
From the closed door meeting (Saturday June 7th), it was agreed that arcades be massively decongested to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“We agreed to also reduce the number of occupants to three per shop and ensure a social distance of at least two meters between the shop attendants within the shop premises.” A Source inside the meeting disclosed to us.
As if that wasn’t enough, the landlords were also asked to beef up security on all the entry and exit points so as to manage temperature guns and hand-washing areas.
“Hawkers, food vendors, luggage carriers were banned from accessing the arcades at the moment and we agreed that the shop keepers and customers must sanitize and wear masks at all times.” Our Source further revealed.
The traders that don’t have proper premises, who have been operating Mobile Money and other make-shift stalls within the corridors and staircases will be removed to decongest the arcades.
Minister Kyambadde will reportedly return to President Museveni with the full minutes of the meeting for briefing before opening of the arcades can be communicated.
