Local Government Minister Barugahara Balaam Ateeny has directed local governments across Uganda to strengthen transparency and accountability by opening council sittings to the media, publicly displaying approved budgets and tightening regulation of alcohol and betting operations.
In a directive dated August 11, 2026, addressed to all LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers, Minister Balaam said the measures are intended to promote public participation, community productivity and responsible conduct at the local level.
The minister directed all councils to allow journalists access to council sittings, arguing that the public should be able to follow debates, decisions and the conduct of business in their respective local governments.
“All councils should allow members of the press access to council sittings, just as Parliament allows media access to its proceedings,” the directive states.
According to Balaam, opening council proceedings to the media will promote transparency, accountability and public awareness while enabling citizens to keep track of decisions made by their local leaders.
The minister also ordered local governments to display their approved budgets on main council notice boards and other accessible public notice boards.
He said making budgets publicly available would allow residents to know how much money has been allocated to their areas and follow up on the implementation of projects and delivery of services.
The move, he said, would promote what he described as “people-led audits” and strengthen accountability in local government.
Balaam targets underage drinking
Balaam also issued tough directives on the sale and consumption of alcohol, particularly the sale of alcoholic drinks to children.
He directed local authorities and security agencies to arrest and prosecute bar owners, shop owners, operators of Malwa joints and other alcohol sellers who supply alcohol to persons below the age of 18.
“Bar owners, shop owners and operators of Malwa joints or other alcohol-selling establishments who sell or supply alcohol to persons under 18 years of age should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the directive states.
He further directed authorities to take appropriate action against establishments that repeatedly violate the requirement.
The minister also ordered local leaders to discourage early morning alcohol consumption, saying excessive drinking was contributing to idleness, family problems and crime in communities.
Balaam directed local authorities to 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.
Bars ordered to open after 3pm
Under the new directive, bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol selling establishments should not open before 3pm on working days, subject to national laws, licensing requirements and lawful local government regulations.
Balaam warned that bars and alcohol outlets that repeatedly defy lawful operating hour directives should be closed, with appropriate enforcement action taken against persistent offenders.
The minister said the measures are aimed at promoting a productive population and restoring discipline within communities.
Betting hours to be regulated
Balaam also directed local governments to regulate the operating hours of betting companies within their jurisdictions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The directive says the regulation is intended to protect communities, particularly young people, from harmful practices associated with excessive betting.
Joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities have been tasked with supporting local governments in enforcing the measures.
Balaam also instructed local government leaders to take personal responsibility for implementation and report challenges through the appropriate channels.
“Let us put the interests of our people first, promote transparency and accountability in local government, protect our children, encourage productivity and restore discipline in our communities,” Balaam said.
The directive was copied to the Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament.
