Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, has publicly overruled recent restrictions on bar and club operating hours imposed by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi.
In a post on his official X account late on Monday night, Muhoozi declared that the decision on when bars and clubs open and close rests solely with the proprietors.
“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,” the CDF wrote.
The statement comes just days after Minister Balaam issued a series of directives aimed at regulating the sale of alcohol. These included a ban on early morning drinking, an order that bars should not open before 3pm on working days, and strict enforcement against serving alcohol to minors.
In some upcountry towns, security personnel and local leaders had already begun enforcing the new rules, with reports of bars being forced to remain closed until the afternoon and occasional confrontations with patrons.
Muhoozi’s intervention effectively rolls back those time restrictions, placing the focus instead on maintaining public order and preventing violence in drinking places.
Minister Balaam was quick to acknowledge the directive. Responding directly to Muhoozi’s post, he wrote: “Order taken Chairman with utmost respect.”
The exchange has been widely interpreted as Muhoozi asserting his authority over the Local Government Minister on a matter of everyday public policy. It also reflects the CDF’s preference for a more relaxed approach to nightlife, provided it does not descend into disorder.
Uganda’s vibrant bar and club scene, particularly in Kampala and other urban centres, has long operated with flexible hours. Many establishments remain open deep into the early morning hours on weekends.
Muhoozi’s message appears to give proprietors the green light to continue operating according to demand while warning that violence of any kind will not be tolerated.
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