Uganda President Museveni directs officials to stop nightlife restrictions

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has instructed security officers and Resident District Commissioners to cease imposing unnecessary restrictions on bars and nightlife. Speaking in Kampala, Museveni stated that citizens, specifically referring to the youth as ‘Bazukulu’, should be allowed to peacefully enjoy themselves without excessive interference from authorities.

Following these directives, Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara announced he is abandoning previous efforts to ban daytime drinking. Barugahara noted that Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba had also expressed that Ugandans should be free to drink and party at any time. Barugahara stated, ‘If the boss has spoken out, I cannot repeat his orders,’ effectively ending attempts to restrict alcohol outlets during morning working hours.

The shift in policy is expected to provide relief to the hospitality and entertainment sectors, which have faced ongoing uncertainty due to conflicting directives regarding operating hours and enforcement measures.