President Yoweri Museveni has partially opened up the Ugandan economy, with strict guidelines, after 42 days of a no movement lockdown.
The President revealed that the Ministry of Finance working with Bank of Uganda, will mobilize low cost credit for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He added that government will as a first step, immediately raise UGX 100 Billion through further Budget Rationalization, and participating Financial Institutions will equally contribute UGX 100 Billion. This brings total resources available for MSMEs to UGX 200 Billion.
“The Minister of Finance will prepare and announce details and guidelines for this support within two weeks from today,” Museveni said.
The President said that the decision was reached after a number of factors were considered by the national taskforce. The factors include; the current level of COVID-19 transmission as shown by the drop in cases, positivity rate and hospital admissions, Adherence to SOPs by the population, Economic considerations for the country, and the wanainchi, Current coverage of vaccination and Prolonged effects of the pandemic (17 months) on the wanainchi.
Museveni revealed that after listening to the scientists and the National Planning Authority, he has revised the directives that were in place during the 42-day lockdown.
Below is a summary of the new directives:
1. Curfew time remains between 7pm-5am
2. Boda bodas Allowed to move up to 6 pm and carry one passenger or cargo while Maintaining SOPs
3. Kikuubo will open except the kiosks outside the arcades..
4. Manufacturers open outlets outside town
5.Traders adopt E-Commerce
6. Malls, arcades will open if they comply with SOPs that include; corridors cleared, proper ventilations, proper hygiene
7. Only 20 are allowed at burials
8. Weddings will have 20 people till population is vaccinated
9. Worship centers remain
10. Outdoor Sports Allowed with Strict SOPs, no speculators
11. Indoor activities like gyms, pool tables should remain closed
12.Betting, casinos remain closed
13. Artistes advised to do virtual concerts
14. Bars remain closed
15. Food Restaurants remain open
16. Saloons to be opened
17. Saunas, steam baths remain closed
18. Schools remain Closed till kids between 12-18 years are vaccinated fully
19.Virtual Learning should continue
20.Reduction of 10% Staff to increase to 20%
21. Private vehicles allowed to move across borders with 3 occupants
22. Travellers abroad are free to move
23. UPDF to supervise screening of Travellers at the airport
24. Public transport to open on Monday 2nd August 2021 at 50%, will be reviewed in 2 weeks
25. No Air Conditioning in Public Transport
26. Food markets remain open
27. Seasonal markets remain closed
28. Conferences, workshops, seminars are banned
29. Ministry of Finance to support low cost or small scale industries