Police have explained that they were compelled to temporarily shut down the China Town Super Store at Lugogo, Nakawa Division after thousands of eager shoppers overwhelmed the security measures in place.

Despite a notice at the stores entrance of closure till further notice, thousands of people remain camped at the premises in anticipation of its reopening anytime. Police was on Wednesday compelled to use reasonable force to disperse mounting crowds whose hope seemed not to fade amidst the glaring reality.

Majority of them are anxious for the first come, first serve service after getting wind of mind blowing opening offers being splashed on customers. Some allege they have heard of people being offered electronics, furniture and various items at give away prices and want to benefit as well.

Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesman revealed that prior to the temporal closure, the stores were overwhelmed with over 3,000 people, the single entry and exit point became a major concern, raising fears of a potential stampede in case of an emergency.

“The number of people who were flocking the place were overwhelming the private security guards that management had deployed and there was a security gap. The number of people who were entering the store were over 3,000 people and the place had only one entry and exit. Police had to temporarily closed the place to avoid stampede in case of any emergency.” he explained

He adds that despite a meeting on September 3, 2024, between store management and security officials, the store had yet to implement agreed-upon safety protocols, prompting police to step in. The frustrated shoppers were asked to leave until the necessary control measures were established.

Onyango says they have warned that the overcrowded conditions pose serious security risks, including potential terror threats. He has urged store management to involve Counter Terrorism officers to mitigate these dangers.

“A congested place like that always attracts terror threats, Police advised the management to have officers from Counter Terrorism in place to deter threats of terrorism. Today, they had not put in most of the measures they agreed in the security meeting and Police had to advise their clients to go away.” he added

Meanwhile, China Town Stores sales manager, David Kabarage also advised the mounting crowds of customers to leave their premises to allow them re-organise it to meet the standard operating procedures as required by authorities. He advised that they will communicate once they are ready to enforce the SOPs.

For now, customers are left waiting for the green light to return to their shopping spree.