By The Ministry of Local Government has directed local authorities across Uganda to enforce a 3pm rule restricting the sale of alcoholic beverages by bars and other alcohol-selling establishments.
The directive, issued on August 10, 2026, was addressed to all LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers as part of measures to promote community productivity and strengthen regulation of alcohol and betting operations.
Under the directive, bars, shops, Malwa joints and other establishments selling alcohol are required not to open or sell alcoholic beverages before 3:00pm.
The Ministry further directed local authorities to take action against operators who sell or supply alcohol to persons below 18 years of age. Such operators should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The directives also require local governments to allow members of the press access to council sittings and display approved budgets on main council notice boards and other accessible public notice boards to promote transparency and public accountability.
The measures take immediate effect.
