The Ministry of Local Government has ordered that bars, Malwa joints and other places that sell alcohol across Uganda must stay closed until 3:00 p.m. On days when people are working. This is an effort to stop people from drinking early in the morning and to help the country be more productive.
In a letter dated August 10 the letter was sent to LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers. Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi told leaders to make sure that places that sell alcohol follow rules about when they can open. This rule is part of efforts to help communities be more productive to make sure people take responsibility and to control the sale of alcohol and betting activities.
The letter says, “Bars, Malwa joints and other places that sell alcohol should not open before 3:00 p.m. On working days.” The minister said that the rule should be followed as per national laws the rules for licenses and any local government rules or by-laws that are in place.
Barugahara said that drinking much in the early hours leads to people not working problems in families and more crime in some areas. He asked leaders to work with police, community leaders and health workers to stop people from spending time in drinking places instead of working or doing something useful.
The new rule also makes it harder to sell alcohol to anyone under 18 years old. Business owners who keep breaking the rules about opening times or who sell to people could have their places shut down and could be taken to court.
Local governments have been told to check that the new rules are followed in their areas. Some security agencies in districts have already said they will follow the order closely. In Mpigi District, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Shads Mwanje said no bar would be allowed to open before the time set. He warned that people who break the rule would be arrested.
The new rule has caused reactions. Some people who drink and some bar owners in Mpigi and other areas have said the rule is not good. They say it will hurt their businesses for small owners who depend on customers who come early. They believe the rule is too strict and does not take into account the money problems that many families face when they rely on selling alcohol.
Other people are happy with the rule. They say it could help reduce problems caused by much drinking. Alcohol abuse is a problem in Uganda. Studies have shown that heavy drinking is linked to violence in homes, car accidents and less work done by people.
The ministry has said that they will make sure the rules are followed. They will do it in a way that is fair. Places that keep breaking the rules could lose their licenses. Local councils are expected to create rules where needed to make sure the policy works. As the new rules start to take effect the government is hoping that people will be more disciplined and will work harder. It is not clear if the rule about opening at 3:00 p.m. Will change how people drink for a time or if it will just move when people drink. One thing is certain Ugandas long fight with the problems caused by drinking is now, in a period of control.