Local Government Minister Hon. Balaam Barugahara Atenyi has revealed that he has written to Members of Parliament and district authorities, urging them to begin developing bylaws to regulate the hours during which alcohol can be sold and consumed.
The proposal follows Balaam’s earlier call for alcohol consumption to begin at 3 PM across the country, a suggestion that sparked mixed reactions from the public and has not yet been implemented.
According to the minister, copies of the proposal have been sent to MPs and districts to allow local authorities to formulate ordinances or bylaws determining when alcohol consumption should begin in their respective areas, particularly on weekdays.
“I’ve written a copy in pigeon hall to each Member of Parliament and have sent to the districts to start or to make ordinances or bylaws to implement it in respective districts on what time they want people to drink,” Balaam said.
He explained that his proposal is intended to encourage people to dedicate the morning hours to productive activities then engage in alcohol consumption after taking lunch in the afternoon.
Balaam clarified that he has no objection to people drinking freely over the weekend, arguing that the proposed restrictions are mainly intended to regulate alcohol consumption during working days.
“I felt it’s important if people participated in productivity in the morning, then in the afternoon they have lunch, they go and drink. On weekends, they can drink as much as they want. We don’t have any problem with that,” he added.
The proposal has also attracted interest from other legislators, including Mukono Woman MP Hon. Betty Nambooze, who pointed to Gulu District as an example of an area that has already taken measures to regulate alcohol.
“Now, Mr. Minister, you’re talking. When you say districts should come up with ordinances, I know the district to benchmark with is Gulu, because they already have that. Gulu burnt waragi (Buvera). You can’t take that waragi in Gulu. But you can still bring a law here in Parliament,” Nambooze said.
Nambooze further revealed that she previously attempted to introduce a private members’ bill on alcohol regulation but was unsuccessful. She said former State Minister for Health Hon. Sarah Opendi also made a similar attempt without success.
However, Nambooze believes Balaam’s position as a minister could give such legislation a stronger chance of receiving the necessary support if it is eventually presented before Parliament.
“I’ve written to each MP and sent the directive to the districts to make bylaws on what time they want their people to drink.”
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has clarified that local governments and leaders should hold consultative meetings with stakeholders… pic.twitter.com/A7K3eO8bXT
— NTV UGANDA (@ntvuganda) August 18, 2026
