For a brief and terrifying moment in August, Ugandans discovered that the government had finally noticed what they were doing at 10am. Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara issued a directive telling bars, clubs, malwa joints and other alcohol-selling places not to open before 3pm on working days.
The idea was to reduce morning drinking, improve productivity, protect young people and, presumably, make sure some Ugandans actually reached the office before reaching the bar.
The TL went into cardiac arrest. People reportedly wondered what exactly government expected them to do with their mornings. One wonders whether productive work was supposed to begin immediately after breakfast, or whether there would at least be a grace period for those already seated at the bar by 2:47pm.
The directive also exposed one of Uganda’s great contradictions: we are constantly being told to work hard, but we are equally committed to enjoying the fruits of work we have not yet done. Some people argued that government had bigger problems to solve unemployment, the cost of living, potholes and the national sport of surviving on a salary that disappears before the month does.
Others welcomed the directive, especially those tired of watching young people spend entire mornings drinking instead of working, farming or doing whatever productive activity young people are apparently supposed to do.
On X, MK said bar opening hours should be left to proprietors. What government should not tolerate, he said, was fighting and violence. Otherwise, Ugandans were entitled to enjoy themselves.
The internet heard one thing: “Party is back on, banange.” Minister Balaam quickly responded, ‘Order taken chairman with utmost respect,’ and suddenly the 3pm curtain appeared to become less of a curtain and more of a suggestion. This is where Uganda becomes wonderfully Ugandan.
We love our discipline, but we also love our enjoyment. We want development, but preferably with music playing in the background. We want young people to work hard, but after they answer the famous, oliwa question. Side ki , side wa ?
The president has previously acknowledged this same contradiction, often referring to young Ugandans as his bazzukulu while warning that enjoyment should not replace work. And really, that may be the sensible middle ground because alcohol abuse is real. Morning drinking can destroy productivity, families and finances. But closing licensed bars does not magically eliminate waragi.
It may simply send people to the nearest unlicensed drinking spot, where the only thing more questionable than the opening hours is what is inside the bottle.
Uganda’s nightlife also feeds thousands of livelihoods from waiters and waitresses to DJs, boda riders, musicians, security guards et al. So perhaps the real issue is not whether Ugandans should party. We clearly will but where possible, arrive at work first, please.