TAKEAWAYS

• Local councils must allow journalists to attend council sittings and display approved budgets publicly.
• Bars and Malwa joints should not open before 3pm on working days, while underage alcohol sales face enforcement.
• Local governments have been directed to regulate betting hours and take action against persistent offenders.

The Ministry of Local Government under Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has continued to step up efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and productivity in local governments.

In a directive issued on August 11, 2026 and shared through Balaam Barugahara’s official X page, the ministry ordered all LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers to implement a number of measures with immediate effect.

Among the key directives is a requirement for local governments to allow members of the press access to all council sittings.

The ministry said the move is intended to promote transparency and accountability by allowing the public to follow debates, decisions and the conduct of public 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.

Local governments have also been directed to display their approved budgets on main council notice boards and other accessible public notice boards.

According to the ministry, this will allow residents to know what has been budgeted for their communities and follow up on the implementation of projects and services.

The directive further targets alcohol consumption, particularly among young people.

Bar owners, shop owners, Malwa joint operators and other alcohol sellers who supply alcohol to people below the age of 18 are expected to face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The ministry has also directed local leaders to discourage early-morning alcohol consumption.

As part of the measures, bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments have been directed not to open before 3:00 p.m. on working days, subject to applicable national laws, licensing requirements and lawful local government regulations.

“Bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments should not open before 3:00 p.m. on working days,” the directive states.

The ministry warned that establishments that repeatedly defy lawful operating-hour directives should be closed, with appropriate enforcement action taken against persistent offenders.

Betting operations have also come under scrutiny, with local governments directed to regulate betting operating hours in their jurisdictions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

The ministry said the measure is aimed at protecting communities, particularly young people, from harmful practices associated with excessive betting.

Joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities are expected to support local governments in implementing the directives.

The ministry has further called on local government leaders to personally take charge of implementation and report challenges through the appropriate channels.

The directive concludes by calling for greater transparency and accountability in local government, protection of children, increased productivity and discipline in communities.