Mega Fm & Agency
The Ministry of Local Government has directed local governments to allow journalists access to all council sittings and display approved budgets publicly as part of new measures aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability.
The directives were issued by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi on August 10, 2026, to all LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers, and take immediate effect.
He said the measure is intended to promote transparency and accountability and enable citizens to follow debates, decisions and the conduct of public business in their respective local governments.
The minister also ordered local governments to display their approved budgets on main council notice boards and other accessible public notice boards.
The directives also target alcohol consumption, with local leaders ordered to discourage early-morning drinking and ensure that alcohol outlets operate within lawful hours.