By Spy Uganda
Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara has ordered the disbandment of the entire Iganga District Service Commission as the government intensifies its crackdown on corruption and poor service delivery in the district.
The dramatic action came during Balaam’s visit to Iganga, where hundreds of residents gathered at Iganga Main Hospital to welcome the minister and raise concerns over challenges affecting public services.
By the end of the day, 39 people had been arrested in connection with various corruption-related cases in Iganga, signalling a major escalation in the government’s efforts to address alleged abuse of public resources and misconduct by public officials.
At Iganga Main Hospital, management raised concerns about the unstable electricity supply, saying frequent power fluctuations were disrupting operations and exposing vital medical equipment to possible damage.
Hospital officials asked Balaam to intervene and help secure a more reliable electricity connection for the facility.
Balaam immediately contacted the minister responsible for energy, who reportedly agreed to intervene and work towards ensuring that Iganga Main Hospital receives a stable power supply.
The minister also ordered the re-arrest of Iganga Main Hospital pharmacist Dr Misinde Patrick and drug inspector Kauma Sumaya over accountability concerns surrounding medicines at the facility.
Balaam said the two health workers needed to be investigated following concerns raised during a recent visit to the hospital by members of Parliament’s Health Committee.
The minister said accountability for medicines and other public resources must be properly established, particularly at a major government health facility serving a large population.
Residents also used the minister’s visit to raise concerns over alleged parking charges imposed on patients and their attendants who arrive at the hospital on boda bodas.
According to residents, some patients and attendants have allegedly been required to pay parking fees when motorcycles are used to transport patients to the hospital.
Balaam ordered an investigation into the allegations and directed that whoever is responsible for imposing the charges be arrested.
He further instructed the hospital to stop charging patients parking fees, noting that the facility has a free parking yard that should be accessible to patients and their attendants.
The minister also intervened in a matter involving the hospital’s Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr Anne Amate, urging her to remain in office and continue serving the people of Iganga.
Balaam said he had received information that Dr Amate was considering resigning following alleged attempts by politicians to demand money from her.
According to the minister, Dr Amate refused to pay the alleged bribes and subsequently faced pressure to leave her position.
Balaam urged her not to resign, telling her to remain focused on serving patients and improving the hospital.
The minister’s visit has brought renewed attention to longstanding concerns over accountability, corruption and the quality of public service delivery in Iganga.
With the district service commission disbanded and dozens of people arrested, the developments mark one of the most significant anti-corruption interventions in the district in recent times.
