Bar owners ask Museveni to open bars, pledge to follow SOPs

Bar owners and DJs, through their Night Life Industries Association have asked President Yoweri Museveni to allow bars to resume operations amidst Covid-19.

The bar owners also pledged to follow the ministry of Health has guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that were put in place to combat the spread of the Coronavirus.

Bars, places of worship and other entertainment centres are some of the first entities that were closed in March this year following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Although some of the restrictions that were put in place back in March have been eased, bars remain closed.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Francis Ainomugisha, the secretary of the Night Life Industries Association said that its time their places are reopened.

Ainomugisha said: "We can come up with masks that have a zip so that someone can drink, zip up and then speak without spitting saliva."

DJ Nimrod Nabeeta said that they can come up with disposable glasses that are dumped after usage instead of the usual glasses to control the spread of the Coronavirus.

"We can make sure that there is space between every client. We need to work," Nimrod said.

Kenneth Kiyingi, owner of the Inbox Lounge in Nakulabye said their things are getting spoilt yet some of the bar owners had gotten loans from banks.

According to the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Judith Nabakooba, the national Covid-19 task force met with the president two weeks ago and discussed how institutions that are still closed can be opened up safely.

Nabakooba however noted that it is only President Museveni will make the final decision.

The president is expected to address the country about the Covid-19 situation on Sunday at 8pm.