Mbarara, Uganda – In a decisive move to curb rising crime and restore family values, Mbarara District has ordered all bars to operate strictly between 2:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
The crackdown comes amid a surge in violent incidents, theft, and growing concern over moral decay tied to excessive drinking.
District Internal Security Officer David Kamanda announced the new restrictions during a security meeting in Kashare Sub-county, urging bar owners and residents to comply.
“I want us to agree. All bars should start operating at 2 PM, not 12 PM, and they should close at 10 PM,” Kamanda declared.
This directive follows a chilling robbery earlier in the week, where armed assailants attacked residents, beat them, and stole valuables including money and mobile phones. The attack shocked locals and intensified pressure on security officials to act.
Fred Mwesigye, LC3 Chairperson of Kashare, echoed the urgency, revealing an uptick in livestock theft and coffee robberies. He described disturbing incidents where criminals slaughter animals in people’s homes and escape with the meat.
“We are fighting crime and criminals who have made our sub-county restless,” he said, calling for shared responsibility. “Security is not the police alone; it starts with me and you.”
Authorities believe unrestricted bar hours have contributed directly to lawlessness. They link early-day drinking to rising youth delinquency, broken homes, and reduced community productivity.
District Police Commander Benon Byamukama expressed concern about the impact of alcohol abuse on family life and public behavior.
“We have neglected our families. Many people waste entire days in bars. Some youth become arrogant and criminal,” Byamukama warned.
The bar hour restrictions are part of a broader campaign to instill discipline and promote safer, more responsible communities. The district leadership is not stopping there.
Kashari North MP Bazil Bataringaya announced new infrastructure projects aimed at boosting safety in crime-prone areas like Nyabisirira Town Council. These include street lights and expanded water access—measures designed to reduce defilements and assaults, particularly around water sources.
“We’ve had increased defilement cases around water points. With better lighting and water extension, we aim to make these places safer,” Bazil explained.
The new bar curfew is already generating debate across the district, but officials insist it is a necessary sacrifice for long-term peace and social stability.
