Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has rejected calls for government-imposed operating hours for bars and entertainment venues, insisting that business owners should be free to determine when their establishments open and close.
Taking to social media, Muhoozi said the government should focus on preventing violence and disorder rather than restricting the hours during which Ugandans can enjoy entertainment.
“Opening and closing hours for bars and clubs is up to the proprietors. What we will not tolerate is any form of fighting and violence. Otherwise, Ugandans are entitled to enjoy themselves,” he partly wrote.
His remarks appear to contradict an earlier proposal by Minister Balaam Barugahara regarding the regulation of entertainment venues, particularly their operating hours.
While Balaam's proposal sparked debate among entertainment industry players and business owners, Muhoozi's position places greater emphasis on maintaining peace and preventing violence instead of imposing blanket restrictions on operating hours.
His comments have since attracted reactions from social media users, with many debating the different positions taken by the two government officials.