Gov’t ban on morning drinking sparks mixed reactions in Kotido

12 August 2026, 10:41 am

By Moses Lokeris

KARAMOJA: The move by the government to regulate drinking hours has sparked a debate in Kotido Municipality, with some people welcoming it as a bold attempt to restore productivity and discipline, while others have questioned the legal basis for imposing specific operating hours on licensed businesses.

Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister of Local Government, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, issued a nationwide directive ordering bars, malwa joints, and alcohol outlets to remain closed until 3:00 p.m. on working days.  

In his letter addressed to all district chairpersons, city mayors, and council speakers, Barugahara said the decree aims to protect children, encourage productivity and restore discipline in communities.

He directed that bars and alcohol outlets that repeatedly defy lawful operating-hour directives should be closed, and appropriate enforcement action should be taken against persistent offenders in accordance with the law.

While the government aims to boost productivity and curb crime, some locals and business owners in Kotido Municipality, who questioned about the exact powers available to local governments.

Francis Elungat, the proprietor of Lucky’s pub popularly known as Kidangidangi, termed the directive as a direct attack on people who depend on bars and malwa business for survival.

He noted that his business largely depends on morning sales which help him support his family and restrictions may harm his daily income.

Elungat questioned the legal basis for restricting the operating hours of bars, pointing out that businesses have licences and tax obligations.

“The intention is good particularly in terms of transparency, accountability, and protecting young people from alcohol and betting,” he said.

However, Elungat added that Ugandans also need to know what existing laws allow local governments to do in imposing specific operating hours.

“Good governance necessitates both sound policies and a respect for the law and due process,” he argued.

Stella Akurut, the LC1 Chairperson of Police Cell in Central Ward, and Ebutia brewer said that  malwa business in Kotido and Karamoja region thrives during the day, bringing in good returns and restricting operating hours will cripple many businesses.

Ebutia is a traditional, low-alcohol fermented beverage made by the Karamojong people, its brewed primarily from staple grains like sorghum, millet, or maize and it plays a central cultural role in social gatherings, celebrations, and daily community life.

She is worried about where to get money for paying back the Parish Development Model (PDM) loan, which she borrowed to start up her malwa business, if the directive comes into force.

Jeosophat Muganza, an alcohol consumer, urged the government to stop copying laws from other countries, warning that such laws will cripple the country’s economy and increase alcohol uptake among locals since time is limited.

Moses Lincon Sagal, the Speaker of Kotido Central Division, welcomed the intention behind the directive but urged the government to ensure that implementation follows the law.

He also emphasised the government to first sensitize the local population about the contentious new directive before enforcing it.

Sagal said that most times government ministries come up with controversial policies without the involvement of the local leaders and the masses, which makes implementation hard.

Meanwhile Calvin Moding, the LCIII Chairperson of Kapeta Sub-county said the announcement was something he had expected from the government.

He reasoned that young people had increasingly become involved in alcohol consumption without engaging in gainful work.

Moding said that for bar owners, the practical question is whether the 3pm requirement will be enforced uniformly across the country or whether individual local governments will develop different approaches based on their circumstances and legal powers.

“For government, the challenge will be ensuring that the directive does not become another regulation that exists on paper but is poorly enforced”, said Moding.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, Uganda ranks first in alcohol consumption in Africa.

On average, each person in Uganda consumes 12.21 liters of pure alcohol per year, which is nearly double the African regional average of 6.3 liters and the global average of 6.18 liters.

Additional reporting by Alexander Mackey Okori