By Alfred Opio
Residents in Pallisa District have been warned against the habit of early morning alcohol consumption, a practice local security authorities say is affecting productivity and community development.
The warning was issued by Majid Dhikusooka, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Pallisa District, during his monitoring of government programmes across the district.
Dhikusooka said he was concerned after finding several residents already drinking alcohol as early as 8:00 a.m., with security reports indicating that some individuals begin drinking as early as 6:00 a.m. in various trading centres.
According to the RDC, the practice is unacceptable because it prevents people from engaging in productive work that could improve household incomes and livelihoods.
“It is better for someone to first report to the garden and do some work. After finishing the work, they can then go and drink,” Dhikusooka said.
He blamed the widespread poverty in some parts of Pallisa District on excessive alcohol consumption, noting that many residents spend more time drinking than working.
Dhikusooka also raised concern that many school-going children remain at home due to lack of scholastic materials, which he partly attributed to parents prioritizing spending money on alcohol.
He further warned that excessive alcohol consumption has serious health consequences, revealing that many patients diagnosed with serious illnesses in health facilities are linked to prolonged alcohol abuse.
Directive to Bar Owners
The RDC has issued a stern warning to bar owners across the district, directing them not to open their drinking places in the early morning hours. He instructed that bars should only open after 2:00 p.m., when most people have completed their daily work.
Mixed Reactions from Residents
However, some residents have expressed mixed reactions to the directive.
Simon Opolot, an alcohol consumer and resident of Kapala Village, said he sometimes drinks early in the morning because there is currently little work in the gardens.
He explained that once crops reach stages that require more labour, such as weeding, he will adjust his drinking schedule.
Meanwhile, Angela Berita Asio, a bar owner and resident of Chelekura Sub County, appealed to the RDC to reconsider the directive and allow bars to open at least by 12:00 midday.
She argued that by midday most residents would have completed their garden work and could then responsibly visit drinking places.
Local authorities say they will continue monitoring the situation as part of broader efforts to promote productivity, improve household welfare and curb alcohol abuse in the district.
