Bars’ 3pm opening directive sparks concern among Masindi operators
“I have a loan to repay and children whose school fees must be paid. We are asking authorities to consider allowing us to open at least from midday.”
Masindi: Bar operators in Central Division, Masindi Municipality, have raised concerns over the directive by the Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, requiring bars to open at 3:00 p.m.
The operators say the directive could affect their daily income, workers and ability to meet financial obligations, including rent, taxes, loan repayments and school fees.
They also warn that some streets in Masindi Central Division, where bars are concentrated, could become less active during morning and afternoon hours.
Pius Tumusiime, a bar operator, said the directive would affect workers who depend on daytime shifts. “We pay taxes, rent and workers’ salaries. Some of us have businesses that combine bars with shops, and if this directive continues, we may be forced to abandon one of the businesses.”
Another operator, Primacy Tumusiime, said some bar owners had acquired loans based on expectations of operating throughout the day. “Some operators took loans expecting to operate throughout the day. The directive was implemented abruptly without giving us enough time to adjust our businesses.”
Scovia Atuhura, popularly known as Mama Dubai, said she supports regulation of bars but believes opening at 3:00 p.m. is too late for operators struggling to meet their financial obligations. “I have a loan to repay and children whose school fees must be paid. We are asking authorities to consider allowing us to open at least from midday.”
Meanwhile, Richard Mugema, a bar consumer, warned that the directive could have unintended consequences if businesses and sources of income are lost.
“Bar operators have many expenses to meet, and if their operating hours are reduced significantly, they could suffer losses.”
The operators are now appealing to authorities to reconsider the 3:00 p.m. opening time and engage them before fully enforcing the directive.
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