Uganda: 'We Need Alcohol to Work' - Mubende Residents Reject 3pm Bar Opening Directive

In the town of Mubende, local residents have protested a directive issued by the Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, which mandates bars to open for business at 3pm. The residents of Kibaati Cell, an informal settlement within Mubende Municipality, argue that this requirement could severely disrupt their livelihoods and daily routines.

Many in the community depend on alcohol-related businesses for their income, and they contend that bar openings at 3pm would limit their time to enjoy alcohol before dark, or in some cases, prevent them from reaching home at all due to physical disabilities.

Maria Nabuuma, a local resident, asserts that drinking alcohol has become a daily routine for her and refuses to comply with the directive. She explains that she cannot abandon her daily alcohol intake, as it is integral to her life and work. Another resident, widely known as Kabaaya, insists that he requires alcohol in the morning to gain the confidence necessary to interact with customers and sustain his income.

He firmly opposes the directive, stating that it negatively impacts his livelihood and ability to earn a living.

The directive has also sparked concerns among residents about the practicality of starting their day at 3pm. One resident who has a physical disability expressed his preference for drinking earlier in the day, as it provides him with sufficient time to reach home safely. If he waits until 3pm, he worries that his inability to move quickly could lead to problems. He argues that if bars remained open earlier, he could operate more comfortably and safely.

In response to the residents' concerns, some suggested that bars open at midday instead of 3pm, as this would allow them to be more productive and energetic throughout the day. Vincent Kamukama, the village vice chairperson, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the directive would significantly impact those whose livelihoods depend on bars and related businesses.

He urged Minister Balaam to reconsider the directive and allow for the continuation of existing operating hours. However, the government remains committed to implementing the directive, stating that the process will involve consultation with local stakeholders to ensure its successful enforcement.

Benon Tibyasa, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Mubende Municipality, confirmed that a meeting with stakeholders would be convened by the security committee to discuss the implementation of the directive. He urged residents to comply with the ministerial directive while authorities work out the details of enforcement.

The situation underscores the ongoing tension between government efforts to regulate alcohol consumption and the critical role that the alcohol trade plays in the economic lives of certain communities. While officials argue that limiting operating hours can help reduce excessive drinking, many residents fear that the directive will harm their businesses, customers, and workers who have built their daily routines around the alcohol trade.