Bunyangabu District COVID-19 Task Force has suspended the operations of salons and boutiques as part of the measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The task force has also ordered Boda boda operators to vacate their stages and operate from their homes using their phones.
Bunyangabu district has registered an upsurge in the number of COVID-19 patients with over 110 positive cases and one death recorded in the last two weeks. Twenty-one of the 110 cases are health workers.
The Resident District Commissioner-RDC, Jolly Tibemanya says that the decision was prompted by the increase in COVID-19 cases and reluctance among the public to follow the Standard Operating Procedures- SOPs.
He explains that most saloons and boutiques had turned into gathering grounds for discussions in total disregard of SOPs including social distancing.
Tibemanya also noted that they have intensified surveillance to ensure that all business premises across the district adhere to SOPs. However, business operators have accused the Taskforce of acting contrary to the presidential directives.
Stella Kengozi, who owns a boutique in Kibito town, questioned why the task force was closing down businesses that were not mentioned by the president.
Isiah Rujumba, says the directive will have far-reaching consequences to persons like him who are self-employed.
He says groups like saloon operators have not been earmarked for financial assistance by the government because they were allowed to operate.
