Mpigi Drinkers Find Balaam's 3pm Bar Directive Too Bitter to Take

A directive from Uganda's Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, prohibiting bars from opening before 3pm has met with strong resistance and mockery from drinkers in Mpigi District. The directive, aimed at encouraging productive activities before alcohol consumption, has been criticized by some as oppressive.

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What have we done to the government? Why are they doing things that oppress us? We have only one thing left in this world; it is drinking and now they also want to stop us. Do they want us to go and construct roads when we are drunk?

Many drinkers openly mocked the minister, questioning the government's motives and arguing that drinking is one of the few remaining pleasures in their lives. They expressed concerns that restricting operating hours would negatively impact their livelihoods and social lives, with some suggesting that the government should focus on reducing the high cost of alcohol rather than limiting access. "The government should have started by reducing the price of alcohol instead of increasing the hours when bars are closed," one drinker stated.

Bar owners are also voicing significant concerns, warning that the restricted operating hours could lead to substantial financial losses. Many operate small businesses with borrowed capital and rely on early sales to meet daily repayment obligations to money lenders. "Minister Balam, the money we use to operate these businesses is borrowed. A money lender gives you money in the morning and comes back at 7pm to demand it. If you tell us to open at 3pm, where will we get the money to pay them?" asked one owner.

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The government should have started by reducing the price of alcohol instead of increasing the hours when bars are closed. We ask them to reduce the price and allow us to start drinking at 9am. If we drink more, the government also gets more revenue.

Despite the directive, some drinkers were observed consuming alcohol as early as 9am. The resistance highlights a clash between government efforts to regulate social behavior and the perceived needs and desires of the local population, who feel their freedoms and economic activities are being unfairly curtailed.

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Minister Balam, the money we use to operate these businesses is borrowed. A money lender gives you money in the morning and comes back at 7pm to demand it. If you tell us to open at 3pm, where will we get the money to pay them?