Government of Uganda has set strict measures for re-opening of city arcades which remain closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday, June 6, the minister of Trade and Industry Amelia Kyambadde and arcade owners held a meeting where they agreed on a number of strict measures to be followed before arcades are allowed to open.

Among the measures to be followed is; reduction of the number of shop occupants to three people. According to the minister, this will ensure that there is a social distance of two meters between the shop attendants within the shop premises.

“Demarcate and mark points where the buyers will stand while being attended to and to serve one customer at ago,” Kyambadde said.

Arcade owners were also advised to increase the number of guards on the entry and exit points to manage temperature guns, washing areas and sanitizing gates, compound, floor and doors.

No hawkers and food vendors shall be allowed into arcades as has been the practice.

The minister also urged the landlords to allow tenants to start trading as they discuss on a basis on how to clear the rent arrears.

The landlords were represented by businessmen Sudhir Ruparelia, Kirumira Godfrey, Hamis Kiggundu Hamis, Ntaganda Ephraim, Ssemambo Rashid and Dr Margaret Ssekidde.