Uganda's government has issued a directive requiring bars, Malwa joints, and other alcohol-selling establishments to remain closed until 3 p.m. on working days, as part of a crackdown on early-morning drinking. The order was announced by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, according to local media reports.
The directive, which took effect immediately, applies to all licensed premises selling alcoholic beverages, including bars, restaurants, and local brew shops. It does not affect weekends or public holidays, when establishments may operate under existing regulations.
Minister Barugahara stated that the measure aims to address concerns about excessive daytime alcohol consumption, which has been linked to reduced productivity and public health issues. He emphasized that the government is committed to enforcing the new hours through inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
The move has drawn mixed reactions. Some business owners expressed concerns about lost revenue, while public health advocates welcomed the measure as a step toward reducing alcohol-related harm. The Uganda Alcohol Industry Association has called for dialogue with the government to discuss the economic impact.
As of August 12, 2026, no official statement has been published on the government's website, but the directive has been widely reported by Ugandan news outlets, including the Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda.
