Lugogo mall appeals to Nakawa RCC over threats to close Shoprite

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Lugogo mall has asked Nakawa Deputy Resident city commissioner Anderson Burora not to go ahead with his threats to close Shoprite supermarket for the alleged violation of Covid- 19 standard operating procedures.

In his written response to Burora’s letter warning to close Forest mall and Shoprite supermarket, Mark du Toit, the Communications manager Lugogo mall says that such a decision will affect their customers who are already struggling with movement restrictions because of the lockdown.

“Any sudden closure of the mall will leave a big gap in the service to our customers in the area who are already limited in their movement,” Mark’s July 14th letter reads in part. According to Mark, the facility complies with all the standard operating procedures, adding that even the vehicles using their parking space are authorized to be on the road by the Works and Transport Ministry.

“Furthermore, we have on numerous occasions had police inspect and confirm that the vehicles in and on our establishment are indeed authorized to move within Kampala Metropolitan district,” he argues.

Adding that, “Lugogo mall on the other hand offers vast open parking area, which can accommodate the parking of authorized vehicles with the safety of the persons not compromised.” Burora told URN on phone on Thursday that they had sorted the issues of SOPs at the facility.

In his letter to Shoprite supermarket, Burora mentioned key areas that need to be addressed. “All financial institutions that operate within to reopen, prove that they have provided transport to their workers and that they have out in place all standard operating procedures as guided by the ministry of health”

“Private cars shall not be allowed to the premises apart from those that identify with essential services provided within the premises,” read the July 13th, 2021 letter from the RCC. He asked the restaurants in the malls to enforce the required physical distance.

Our reporter visited Forest Mall and Lugogo mall which hosts Shoprite supermarket and saw fewer vehicles in the parking lot. A motorcyclist who only identified himself as David Obbo and works at the nearby stage said the vehicles had reduced compared to the other days.

Forest mall is a commercial hub that houses a consortium of high-end businesses including banks, restaurants and boutiques while Shoprite is a shopping and retail business center.

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