TAKEAWAYS

• Gen. Muhoozi says bar and club proprietors should decide their operating hours.
• He says Ugandans are free to party throughout the night, provided there is no violence or fighting.
• The comments come after widespread opposition to proposed restrictions on bar operating hours.

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has declared that bar and nightclub owners should be free to determine their own opening and closing hours, saying Ugandans are entitled to enjoy themselves as long as they do so peacefully.

In a series of posts on X, Muhoozi said Uganda’s nightlife should not be unnecessarily restricted, adding that people should be free to dance and drink until morning.

“In Uganda, people can dance and drink up to morning. Also, women are allowed to dress anyway they want.”

The CDF further stressed that decisions regarding operating hours should largely be left to proprietors, while authorities focus on preventing violence and insecurity.

“Opening and closing hours for bars and clubs is up to the proprietors. What we will not tolerate is any form of fighting and violence. Otherwise, Ugandans are entitled to enjoy themselves.”

In another light-hearted remark, Muhoozi said his responsibility was to ensure that even drunk Ugandans could safely make their way home.

“My job as CDF is to make sure all the drunkards in Uganda walk on good pavements back home,” he said.

One of the happiest personalities following Muhoozi’s remarks was media personality Kasuku, who took to X to celebrate what he viewed as a victory for those who had opposed restrictions on nightlife.

“Banange those who called me all sorts of names as I defended the opening time for bars muliwa! @GuvnorUganda @klassroom @thevillaUG mumpeyo on the house. IVE BIZZ,” Kasuku posted.

The development comes amid an ongoing debate over proposed restrictions on bars and entertainment venues. Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara had previously announced a directive proposing that bars open at 3pm and close at midnight, a move that attracted fierce opposition from sections of the entertainment industry and the public.

For nightlife enthusiasts, Muhoozi’s comments appear to signal that their concerns have reached one of the country’s most influential voices.