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Minister Balaam writes to all LC5 chairpersons, mayors and speakers on new gov’t directives

11 August 2026, 8:49 pm

Filed Photo: Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. He has issued new directives to local leaders across Uganda

By Regina Lalam

KAMPALA– UGANDA :Local government minister Barugahara Ateenyi, has written to all LC5 Chairpersons, Mayors and Speakers of Councils across Uganda directing them to immediately begin implementing key government laws aimed at promoting accountability and curbing indiscipline.

In a letter dated 10th August 2026, Minister Balaam outlined some key guidelines that local leaders and security agencies must enforce.

Among the includes: Free and Fair Accountability – Ensure all public funds are used transparently and accounted for. 2. Crackdown on Local Alcohol “Iguli” and Betting – Take action to reduce the abuse of local brews and gambling among youth. 3. Media Access – Allow journalists free access to information and permit them to attend council and government meetings. 4. Public Display of Budgets – All financial budgets and project allocations must be displayed in public domains so citizens can monitor projects and track how money is spent. 5. Protect Children – Empower security agencies to arrest anyone found selling local alcohol “Iguli” to children under 18 years. 6. Bar Operating Hours – Bar owners are prohibited from opening before 9:00 AM Any bar that fails to comply must be closed.

The Hon Minister Urged all leaders and security agencies to work together to ensure full implementation of the directives.

“The purpose of these guidelines is to promote transparency, protect our youth, and ensure public resources benefit the people,” the Minister stated in the letter.

Speaking to our reporter on a Telephone call, on Tuesday 11th August, Francis Abola, the LC5 Chairman of Otuke District Local Govt, welcomed the directive.
He confirmed that Otuke had already started implementing some of the laws.
“We had already resolved on some of these issues. This directive from Minister Balaam will help us enforce them better across the district,” Abola said.