TAKEAWAYS

• Balaam Barugahara defends Mubende’s 3pm day drinking directive, saying it is aimed at encouraging residents to work before drinking.
• Residents have asked Balaam to reduce the 3pm restriction, arguing that alcohol helps boost their energy while working.
• Balaam says the directive will promote productivity, household income and reduce alcohol consumption, especially in remote areas.

Hon. Balaam Barugahara has defended a directive restricting day drinking in Mubende, saying the measure is intended to encourage residents to focus on work and improve household incomes rather than consume alcohol early in the day.

The directive reportedly pushed the time for residents to start drinking from midday to at least 3pm. However, some Mubende residents have been pleading with Balaam to reconsider the timing, arguing that they depend on alcohol to boost their energy as they carry out their daily work.

Balaam, however, says the directive was not introduced to hurt residents but to encourage greater productivity.

“The government has projects like PDM and it would be disappointing investing in all of that but the people instead wake up at 7am to drink alcohol instead of working,” he said.

He explained that the government’s efforts to improve livelihoods through programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) could be undermined if beneficiaries spend much of their productive time drinking instead of working.

According to Balaam, the measure is also aimed at increasing household income and reducing alcohol consumption, particularly in remote parts of the country.

He urged residents to prioritize their work and wellbeing before turning to alcohol, emphasizing the importance of proper planning and eating before drinking.

“They need to do proper planning. Wake up and go to the garden, get food, have something to eat so as they’re fully satisfied and healthy then go and drink rather than drinking on an empty stomach,” he explained.

Balaam maintained that the directive should be viewed as an effort to promote productivity and healthier lifestyles rather than as a punishment for residents who drink alcohol.