The deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Nakawa, Herbert Anderson Burora has ordered for the closure of Forest Mall and Shoprite Lugogo over failure to observe the Standard Operating Procedures set by Ministry of Health to curb spread of Covid-19.
In his letter dated 13th July 2021, Burora said the decision is in reference to the phone conversation he held with managers of the aforementioned premises over security concerns following the 18th June 2021 Presidential Directives.
During his Nation Address on Covid situation, President Yoweri Museveni issued a 42-day lockdown as one of the measures to control spread of second wave of the deadly virus.
However, according to Burora, the management of the two premises never followed the directives issued by the president.
He says, it is from that concern that effective 14th July 2021, the facilities will be closed until their management adhere to issued directives.
Among the directives includes ensuring that all financial institutions that operate within the facilities reopen and prove that they have provided transport to their workers and that they have installed all SOPs as guided by health standards.
“Private cars shall not be allowed into the premises apart from those that identity with essential services provided within the promises. All restaurants shall prove social distancing measures as opposed to the existing management,” Burora further advised.
The deputy RCC also directed that all restaurants prove social distancing measures as opposed to the existing arrangement. Pharmacies will be open upon workers identifying themselves.
“This is therefore, to direct you to communicate these restrictions to the tenants that will take effect as indicated above” he noted.
The development comes at a time as government continues to enforce stringent measures to help curb spread of the deadly Coronavirus, which has hit hard the economy.
Last month, during his national address, Museveni announced measures to control the virus, which included ban on social gatherings and transport but allowed malls, supermarkets to operate while adhering to SOPs by the health ministry.