The Ministry of Local Government has issued directives to LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers aimed at improving transparency, public accountability, community productivity and regulating alcohol and betting operations.

The directives, dated 11 August 2026, were addressed to local government leaders and signed by Barugahara Balaam Ateeyi, Minister in Charge of Local Government.

Councils asked to allow press access

According to the notice, all councils should allow members of the press access to council sittings, similar to media access to parliamentary proceedings.

The ministry said the measure is intended to promote transparency, accountability and public awareness by allowing citizens to follow discussions, decisions and the conduct of public business in their local governments.

Local governments instructed to display approved budgets

The notice also directs local governments to display their approved budgets on main council notice boards and other accessible public notice boards.

The ministry said this would enable members of the public to know what has been planned for their areas and follow up on implementation of projects and services.

The directive is aimed at promoting people-led audits, transparency and accountability at the local government level.

Action against alcohol sales to persons under 18

The ministry directed local authorities and security agencies to enforce laws against selling or supplying alcohol to persons below 18 years.

The notice states that bar owners, shop owners and operators of Malwa joints or other alcohol-selling establishments found violating the requirement should be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.

It further states that establishments that repeatedly violate the directive should face appropriate sanctions.

Leaders urged to discourage early-morning drinking

Local leaders have also been directed to discourage early-morning alcohol consumption.

The notice calls on leaders to work with security agencies and enforcement teams to ensure alcohol outlets do not operate in a way that encourages people to spend mornings drinking instead of working.

The ministry said the measure is intended to address concerns including idleness, family problems and crime associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Bars and Malwa joints directed not to open before 3:00 p.m. on working days

The notice directs bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments not to open before 3:00 p.m. on working days, subject to applicable national laws, licensing requirements and lawful local government regulations.

It adds that alcohol outlets that repeatedly defy lawful operating-hour directives should be closed and appropriate enforcement action taken.

Local governments to regulate betting operating hours

The ministry further directed local governments to regulate betting company operating hours within their jurisdictions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The notice says the objective is to protect communities, particularly young people, from harmful practices associated with excessive betting.

Security teams to support implementation

The directives state that joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities will support local governments in implementation and enforcement.

The ministry called on responsible local government leaders to take personal leadership in ensuring compliance and to report challenges through appropriate channels.

The notice concludes by urging leaders to promote transparency and accountability, protect children, encourage productivity and support discipline in communities.