KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ministry of Local Government has issued a series of directives to local government leaders aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability, improving community productivity and regulating alcohol and betting operations.
In a circular dated Aug. 10, 2026, and widely circulated on Aug. 11, Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi directed all LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers to implement the measures with immediate effect.
Among the key directives is a requirement for local councils to allow the press access to all council sittings, similar to the practice in Parliament. The ministry said this would enable citizens to follow council debates, decisions and other proceedings.
Local governments have also been directed to display approved budgets on main council notice boards and other public places. The measure is intended to promote public scrutiny and allow communities to monitor how public funds are planned and spent.
The circular also addresses alcohol consumption, particularly among young people.
Local leaders have been directed to strictly enforce the ban on selling or supplying alcohol to people under 18. Those who violate the law are to face arrest and prosecution, while repeat offenders may face additional sanctions under applicable laws.
The ministry also directed local authorities to discourage early morning alcohol consumption, citing concerns about idleness, family problems and related crime.
Under the directive, bars, Malwa joints and other establishments selling alcohol should not open before 3 p.m. on working days, subject to national laws, licensing requirements and lawful local regulations.
The ministry further directed authorities to close outlets that repeatedly violate approved operating hours.
Betting operations have also come under scrutiny, with local governments instructed to regulate the operating hours of betting companies within their jurisdictions, particularly to protect young people and communities from potential social harm.
Joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities are expected to support implementation. Local leaders have also been asked to take personal responsibility for enforcing the directives and to report challenges through the appropriate channels.
In the circular, Balaam urged local leaders to put public interests at the centre of their work.
“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,” he said.
The directives are consistent with the government’s wider emphasis on President Yoweri Museveni’s “Kisanja No More Sleep” message for the 2026 to 2031 term, which calls for greater hard work, vigilance, accountability and improved service delivery.
Balaam has repeatedly invoked the message since taking office, including during early morning inspections of health facilities and other public services.
The latest directives, however, have attracted mixed reactions.
Supporters have welcomed the emphasis on productivity, protection of minors from alcohol and greater openness in local government. Critics have raised questions about the practicality of some of the measures for businesses, the possibility of selective enforcement and whether some of the operating hour directives have sufficient statutory backing.
Counsel George Musisi, the Member of Parliament for Kiira Municipality, questioned aspects of the directives relating to alcohol consumption. He argued that some of the measures may lack direct statutory backing, noting that related matters fall under the mandates of relevant licensing authorities.
The debate highlights the wider challenge facing local governments as they seek to balance public health, community order and business operations with the powers granted to them under existing laws and regulations.
The directives also come amid a broader accountability drive by Balaam and State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere.
Museveni has previously said he appointed the two ministers because of their willingness to confront corruption and poor service delivery in local governments. Their inspections have included investigations into alleged ghost workers, public projects and the use of government funds, including resources under the Parish Development Model.
The ministers have also urged citizens to report corruption and other forms of abuse in local governments.
Their aggressive approach has earned praise from supporters who view the inspections as evidence of a more hands on approach to accountability. However, it has also attracted criticism, including concerns over alleged arbitrary arrests and the public treatment of professionals during some enforcement operations.
The latest circular therefore reflects the broader approach of the Ministry of Local Government: stronger oversight, greater public scrutiny and more direct intervention in local government affairs.
The measures take immediate effect, with local governments expected to enforce them in accordance with applicable national laws, licensing requirements and regulations.
