Govt launches COVID-19 protocol for hospitality industry

Jun 06, 2020

HOSPITALITY |

The government has put in place Standards of Operations Procedures (SOPs) to guide hotels as they resume operations following the easing of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

This is aimed at ensuring the safety of clients and staff besides having them protected from viral infection.

Speaking during the launch held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Friday last week, the Minister of State for Tourism Geoffrey Kiwanda said the government has come up with restrictions to guide the hospitality sector as they resume operations.

Jean Phillipe Bittencourt, General Manager Sheraton Kampala hotel speaking during the launch

" We recommend scientific weddings of not more than 50 guests. The bride and groom should also wear masks. Management should also follow measures like a room not being occupied by another client until 24 hours have elapsed," he emphasized.

"Thereafter the room must be fumigated, mopped, the sheets changed and the lift has to carry strictly two people per trip. The ministry and Tourism Police will regularly inspect these establishments to ensure that the restrictions are adhered to. We cannot afford to lose the multiplier effect from hotels which include: farmers, transporters, entertainers, and transporters," he said.

Participants attending a workshop during the launch of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for hospitality enterprises

Suzan Muhwezi, the chairperson Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) said a total of more than 2000 hotel owners are calling upon the government to help them recover from the COVID-19 lockdown that froze their businesses since March 2020. She said this has led to laying off of more than 400 employees

"Servicing loans, paying utility bills, and taxes are choking UHOA," Muhwezi explained.

She said there is a need for the Ministry of Finance, Uganda Tourism Board, Bank of Uganda, and other players to help stimulate tourism. Muhwezi recommended a tax relief and stimulus package for all hotel owners.

Doreen Kansiime, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities speaking during the launch of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

"It does not matter whether it is a Five Star Hotel or a rural one in Kisoro, every establishment has been affected and they need to be helped get back on their feet if we are all to adapt to the changes of conducting business," she said.
She also noted that they need resources to buy utilities to measure the new standards that have been put in place. Adding that toilets, kitchens, and ballrooms will be cleaned more frequently and require more expenses.

"There is a need for resources to adhere to the furnish lobbies, restaurants, conference centers, and meeting rooms," asserted Muhwezi adding that all these need rearranging to enable social distancing.

Jean Phillipe Bittencourt, the General Manager, Sheraton Kampala Hotel noted that they are ready to follow the SOPs and will ensure they put them in practice.

"I would like to thank the government and other agencies for coming up with the standard directive for the hospitality enterprises, we as Sheraton Hotel will ensure that we follow all the procedures and adhere to the rules to safeguard our clients and staff from the deadly virus," Bittencourt said.