The Ministry of Local Government has issued new directives to all LC5 Chairpersons, City Mayors and Council Speakers aimed at promoting transparency, public accountability and community productivity.
In a circular dated 11th August 2026, signed by Minister of State for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, local governments have been ordered to implement 7 key measures with immediate effect.
All councils must allow members of the press access to council sittings, similar to Parliament. The Ministry says this will promote transparency and enable citizens to follow debates and decisions.
All local governments are required to display their approved budgets on main council notice boards and other public spaces. This, the Ministry says, will enable âpeople-led auditsâ and follow-up on service delivery.
Bar owners, shop owners and Malwa joint operators found selling alcohol to persons under 18 will be arrested and prosecuted. Establishments that repeatedly violate the law will face sanctions.
Local leaders have been directed to discourage early-morning alcohol consumption. Security agencies are to ensure bars do not operate in a way that encourages people to spend mornings drinking instead of working.
Bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments should not open before *3:00 p.m. on working days*, subject to existing national laws and licensing requirements.
Bars and alcohol outlets that repeatedly defy lawful operating-hour directives should be closed and offenders prosecuted.
Local governments should also regulate the operating hours of betting companies to protect communities, especially young people, from harmful effects of excessive betting.
The Ministry says joint security teams and council enforcement officers will support local governments in implementation. Local leaders have been tasked to take personal leadership and report challenges through official channels.
âLet us put the interests of our people first, promote transparency & accountability in local government, protect our children, encourage productivity and restore discipline in our communities,â the circular reads in part.
The directive has been copied to the Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, all Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament.
