Traders under Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), a business support association, have threatened to open up their shops following a three months lockdown.
In March, President Museveni ordered for closure of all none-food markets, schools, shops, Salons among other businesses. The lockdown peddled at curbing the spread of the deadly covid-19 virus. The president has however eased the lockdown for some business in the country.
According to Everest Kayondo, the chairperson of KACITA, they have mobilized all Arcade traders to open up shops tomorrow if the government declines to give them a go ahead.
“Traders have waited so long, they are ready to observe the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which were put up by the ministry of health to control the spread of Covid-19.” He said
“Dear members, please be reminded that we have an ultimatum of today Monday 13th for the government to allow arcades open. This is the only way to handle rent issues since most landlords have not given tenants their position on whether to pay for it because arcades are closed. We will announce what will be next tomorrow but top on agenda will be having all tenants to come and have their shops open.” He said.
Mr Sekitto said they have been engaging in endless meetings with city traders, arcade owners, police and the ministry of health to see people work again. Traders are ready to adhere to all SOPs which include wearing face masks, washing hands, emergency room and observing social distance.
“We hope to see police cooperating with us because we have been working together to seek that all buildings meet required standards to open and they have indeed met them” he said.
He faulted health minister Jane Ruth Aceng for flouting Covid-19 guidelines when she addressed a congregation without observing social distance on top of not wearing face masks.
