KAMPALA, UGANDA
The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has issued new directives requiring local government leaders to take immediate action to promote transparency, public accountability, community productivity and responsible regulation of alcohol and betting operations.
In a directive dated 10 August 2026 and addressed to all LC5 Chairpersons, City Mayors, Division Mayors and Council Speakers, the Ministry of Local Government instructed local authorities to implement a series of measures intended to strengthen public oversight and improve discipline within communities.
Under the new measures, local councils are required to allow members of the press access to council sittings, in line with the principle of allowing the media to report on public proceedings. The Ministry says the move is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and public awareness while enabling citizens to follow debates, decisions and the conduct of public business in their respective local governments.
Local governments have also been directed to display approved budgets on main council notice boards and other accessible public notice boards. According to the directive, this will enable residents to know what has been budgeted for their areas and follow up on the implementation of government projects and services, thereby promoting people-led audits, transparency and accountability.
Protection of children from alcohol
The directive further places strong emphasis on protecting persons below the age of 18 from alcohol. Bar owners, shop owners, operators of Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments found selling or supplying alcohol to underage persons are to face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
Local authorities and security agencies have been instructed to strictly enforce the requirement, while establishments that repeatedly violate the law should face appropriate sanctions.
The Ministry has also directed local leaders to discourage early-morning alcohol consumption, working together with security agencies and enforcement teams to ensure that bars and alcohol outlets do not operate in ways that encourage people to spend their mornings drinking instead of working.
The directive says the measure is intended to address idleness, family problems and rising crime associated with excessive alcohol consumption, while encouraging a more productive and responsible population.
Bars restricted on working days
Another key directive requires bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments not to open before 3:00 p.m. on working days, subject to applicable national laws, licensing requirements and lawful local government regulations.
Bars and alcohol outlets that repeatedly defy lawful operating-hour directives should be closed, with appropriate enforcement action taken against persistent offenders.
Local governments have also been instructed to regulate the operating hours of betting companies within their jurisdictions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Ministry says the objective is to protect communities, particularly young people, from harmful practices associated with excessive betting.
Joint enforcement
The Ministry has directed joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities to support local governments in implementing and enforcing the measures.
Responsible local government leaders are expected to take personal leadership in ensuring compliance and to report implementation challenges through the appropriate channels.
The directives take immediate effect, with Minister Balaam calling on local leaders to put the interests of citizens first, promote transparency and accountability, protect children, encourage productivity and restore discipline in communities.
The directive places local governments at the centre of a renewed effort to make public administration more transparent while tackling alcohol abuse, underage drinking, excessive betting and practices viewed as undermining community productivity.
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