News
Govt sets opening time for bars, malwa drinking joints
This is contained in a letter dated August 11, 2026, to all district chairpersons, city mayors, and council speakers regarding directives on local government transparency, public accountability, community productivity and regulation of alcohol and betting operations.
Local government minister Balaam Barugahara directed bars and malwa joints to open after 3:00 pm on working days. (File photo)
By: Umaru Kashaka, Journalist @New Vision
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The Ugandan government has set opening time for bars, malwa (local brew) drinking joints and other alcohol outlets across the country to protect children, encourage productivity and restore discipline in communities.
Local government minister Balaam Barugahara directed bars and malwa joints to open after 3:00 pm on working days.
“Bars, malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments should not open before3:00pm on working days, subject to applicable national laws, licensing requirements and lawful local government regulations,” he said.
This is contained in a letter dated August 11, 2026, to all district chairpersons, city mayors, and council speakers regarding directives on local government transparency, public accountability, community productivity and regulation of alcohol and betting operations.
He directed that bars and alcohol outlets that repeatedly defy lawful operating-hour directives should be closed, and appropriate enforcement action should be taken against persistent offenders in accordance with the law.
Arrests
Barugahara also directed that bar owners, shop owners and operators of malwa joints or other alcohol-selling establishments who sell or supply alcohol to persons under 18 years should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Local authorities and security agencies should strictly enforce this requirement, and establishments found repeatedly violating the law should face appropriate sanctions,” he ordered.
He directed that bars and alcohol outlets that repeatedly defy lawful operating-hour directives should be closed, and appropriate enforcement action should be taken against persistent offenders in accordance with the law.
Arrests
Barugahara also directed that bar owners, shop owners and operators of malwa joints or other alcohol-selling establishments who sell or supply alcohol to persons under 18 years should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Local authorities and security agencies should strictly enforce this requirement, and establishments found repeatedly violating the law should face appropriate sanctions,” he ordered.
Local leaders were directed to take the lead in discouraging early-morning alcohol consumption and work with security agencies and enforcement teams to ensure that bars and alcohol outlets do not operate in a manner that encourages people to spend their mornings drinking instead of working.
“This is intended to address idleness, family problems and rising crime associated with excessive alcohol consumption in communities, while promoting a productive and responsible population,” the minister said.
He also directed that local governments should regulate the operating hours of betting companies within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, with the aim of protecting communities, particularly young people, from harmful practices associated with excessive betting.
Joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities were also directed to support local governments in the implementation and enforcement of these directives.
“All responsible local government leaders are expected to take personal leadership in ensuring compliance and reporting challenges in implementation through the appropriate channels,” Barugahara said, adding, “Let us put the interests of our people first, promote transparency and accountability in local government, protect our children, encourage productivity and restore discipline in our communities.”
“This is intended to address idleness, family problems and rising crime associated with excessive alcohol consumption in communities, while promoting a productive and responsible population,” the minister said.
He also directed that local governments should regulate the operating hours of betting companies within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, with the aim of protecting communities, particularly young people, from harmful practices associated with excessive betting.
Joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities were also directed to support local governments in the implementation and enforcement of these directives.
“All responsible local government leaders are expected to take personal leadership in ensuring compliance and reporting challenges in implementation through the appropriate channels,” Barugahara said, adding, “Let us put the interests of our people first, promote transparency and accountability in local government, protect our children, encourage productivity and restore discipline in our communities.”