Uganda’s Minister for Local Government Balaam Ateenyi has directed local authorities to open council proceedings to journalists and tighten regulation of alcohol and betting operations across the country.
In a directive issued on Tuesday, August 11, Ateenyi ordered all LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers to implement the measures with immediate effect.
The minister said allowing journalists into council meetings would give the public greater access to information on decisions made by their local leaders.
“All councils should allow members of the press access to council sittings, just as Parliament allows media access to its proceedings,” Ateenyi said.
He also directed local governments to display approved budgets on council notice boards and other public spaces to enable residents to track how funds allocated to their areas are being used.
“This will enable members of the public to know what has been budgeted for their respective areas and follow up on the implementation of projects and services,” the minister said.
Ateenyi also issued fresh instructions on the sale and consumption of alcohol, particularly among minors.
He directed authorities to arrest and prosecute bar owners, shopkeepers and operators of Malwa joints found selling or supplying alcohol to people below the age of 18.
The minister further called for an end to early-morning drinking, arguing that excessive alcohol consumption was contributing to social problems in 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,” he said.
Under the new directive, bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments should not open before 3 p.m. on working days, subject to national laws, licensing requirements and lawful local government regulations.
Ateenyi warned that businesses that repeatedly disregard lawful operating-hour restrictions should be closed and subjected to further enforcement action.
The directive also places betting companies under closer scrutiny, with local governments instructed to regulate their operating hours in accordance with existing laws.
According to Ateenyi, the regulation is intended to protect communities, particularly young people, from problems associated with excessive betting.
Joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities will assist local governments in enforcing the measures.
The minister urged local leaders to take personal responsibility for implementation and report challenges through the appropriate channels.