Government has started negotiations with Arcade owners as shopping malls flash their doors open for business.

President Yoweri Museveni confirmed on Monday shopping malls along with public transport to begin business on Thursday.

President Museveni, however, told traders operating in shopping arcades they will continue to stay home.

Many traders in arcades reportedly misunderstood the President since they could not differentiate between malls and arcades.

Minister for trade and industry, Amelia Kyambadde addressed a news conference at the Media Centre in Kampala to clear the air on the confusion.

Amelia told traders that arcades will continue to remain closed while malls will open on Thursday.

The minister said: “Arcades to remain closed until further notice. Shopping malls are allowed to open because they don’t pull crowds and shops has few attendants compared to Arcades.”

She explained: “Shops on the arcades facing streets are allowed to open provided they follow #SOPs by
@MinofHealthUG.”

Amelia confirmed talks between government and traders over re-opening.

She said: “The government is still engaging landlords (Arcades), I will soon pronounce myself on this.”

Amelia hailed: “I commend Ugandans especially traders for your patience during this crisis.”

She confirmed ongoing talks: “The government is going to engage Kikuubo leaders on how Kikuubo can be de-congested.”

The minister explained: “Shopping malls do not attract as much traffic as down town arcades which makes it easier to control human traffic and hence avoid congestion.”

She went on: “Shopping designed with wide corridors and lobbies which are kept clear and avoid of any vendors which allows for social distancing guidelines by to be fully and effectively enforced. Arcades have relatively small corridors which are also used for displaying merchandise.”

Amelia added: “Shopping malls have well identified entrances with visible security and on-site management staff who will enforce the prescribed @MinofHealthUG safety guidelines of temperature monitoring and handwashing points before accessing the mall.”