The Ministry of Local Government has ordered local authorities to tighten control over alcohol and betting operations, open council proceedings to the media and publicly display approved budgets in a fresh push for transparency, accountability and community productivity.
In a directive issued on August 11th, 2026, the Minister in Charge of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi directed all LCV chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers to implement the measures with immediate effect.
Under the directive, all councils must allow members of the press to attend council sittings, just as the media is allowed access to Parliamentary proceedings. This move is meant to enable citizens to follow debates, decisions and the conduct of public business in their respective local governments.
Local governments have also been ordered to display approved budgets on main council notice boards and other accessible public notice boards. According to the ministry, this will allow residents to know what has been budgeted for their areas and follow up on the implementation of projects and services, promoting people-led audits, transparency and accountability.
The directive further ordered bar owners, shop owners and operators of Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments who sell or supply alcohol to persons under 18 to be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The notice also highlighted that repeated offenders should face appropriate sanctions.
“Bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments should not open before 3:00 p.m. on working days, subject to applicable national laws, licensing requirements and lawful local government regulations,” the directive read in part.
Local leaders have been told to discourage early-morning alcohol consumption and work with security agencies and enforcement teams to ensure alcohol outlets do not operate in a manner that encourages people to spend their mornings drinking instead of working.
“Local leaders should 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 directive stated.
Local governments have also been directed to regulate the operating hours of betting companies within their jurisdictions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This measure is aimed at protecting communities, particularly young people, from harmful practices associated with excessive betting.
To the ministry, joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities will support local governments in implementing and enforcing the directives, while local government leaders are to take personal leadership in ensuring compliance and report implementation challenges through the appropriate channels.
The ministry said the measures are intended to put the interests of citizens first, promote transparency and accountability, protect children, encourage productivity and restore discipline in communities.
