President Museveni has said casinos, gaming, betting shops and gyms can now reopen but must only operate during the day as part of measures to ease the Covid-19 lockdown.
While announcing the measures on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, the President said the casinos, gaming, betting shops and gyms must close by 6:00pm.
“Local governments and city authorities must inspect outlets for suitability and adherence to SoPs before opening,” he said.
However, he said bars, concerts, disco halls, performing artists and beaches will remain closed.
“With the level of vaccination still low, I direct that these remain closed until at least the 4.8 million priority population is vaccinated,” he added.
He also announced that weekly markets can reopen since they are door settings and currently transmission rates are low in some areas.
“These can be opened with strict adherence to SOPs and the curfew hours except for current hotspot districts (Soroti, Kampala, Kalungu, Kabale, Kumi, Tororo, Gulu, Nwoya and Yumbe),” he said.
On weddings, burials, and other social events, the number of persons attending these events can now increase to 200 under strict observance of SOPs, he said.
The President also announced that places of worship will open will only 200 worshippers allowed to attend a service or mass, provided the place of worship can ensure physical distancing of 2 meters on either side and adequate aeration.
“No congregation for worship after curfew hours. The 200-persons-limit, physical distancing and all other SOPs should be respected even during special occasions e.g. weddings, funeral services, confirmation,” he said.
Mr Museveni also announced that post-secondary institutions of learning will open with effect from 1st November 2021 “on condition that all teachers and non-teaching staff are vaccinated.”
The rest of the learning institutions will open in January 2022, he said.
He also said curfew remains at 7:00pm – 5:30am while boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) should stop movement at 6:00pm.