On Friday, July 30,2021, the government reviewed lockdown restrictions instituted on June 18th following a drop in COVID-19 infections, the continued adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) by the population, and considerations for the country’s economic challenges.
Many businesses in Uganda operate in shopping malls and business arcades centers, both of which were closed during the lockdown. These centers can now reopen within specific guidelines, listed below.
Guidelines for re-opening business centers
- The presence of compliance officers is a must.
- Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation.
- Provide dedicated entry and exit points.
- Install CCTV cameras where they are absent.
- Maintain proper hygiene and sanitation facilities.
- Registration of all shop owners and attendants.
- Adherence to the below SOPs.
Summary of the SOPs for business owners
| SOP | Detail |
| Cleanliness of premises | · Carry out disinfection and sanitization process regularly during and after operations |
| Customer management | · Limit entry and exit routes of the premises
· Restrict the entry of customers to the premises subject to the size of the premises |
| Health screenings | · Ensure that all staff, suppliers and customers undergo a body temperature screening process |
| Hand washing /use of hand sanitizers | · Provide hand washing points or hand sanitizers at the entrance to the premises and ensure that hands are washed before entering the premises |
| Use of face masks | · Ensure that workers and customers use a face mask at all time when on the premises |
| Social distancing | · Ensure social distancing of one meter at all times |
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Ministry of Health will conduct regular inspections to establish whether the businesses centers comply with the set guidelines and SOPs.
Be safe and make sure you continue to follow standard operating procedures.
Reference
Speech on the COVID-19 response measures issued on 30.07.2021