Kibaale District Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Godfrey Kamagara, has welcomed the government directive requiring bars and malwa joints to open after 3 p.m. on working days.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, as part of measures to promote productivity while also tightening controls on underage drinking, betting and accountability in local governments.
Kamagara says restricting bar operations during working hours will help residents remain focused on productive activities and reduce unnecessary spending on alcohol.
He has also raised concern over the employment of underage children in some bars, saying the practice should stop.
Kamagara is calling on parents to keep their children at home and engage them in productive activities instead of allowing them to work in bars.
The implementation of the directive is expected to involve local authorities monitoring bars and malwa joints to ensure they comply with the 3 p.m. opening time, while also enforcing existing regulations on underage drinking and betting.
The deputy RDC says the measures should help improve productivity, protect children and promote responsible use of household income.