By Spy Uganda
Minister of State for Local Government Balaam Barugahara has vowed to press ahead with his campaign against corruption despite criticism over his methods, saying public officials who misuse government resources should be exposed and held accountable.
Balaam made the remarks in Mbarara City after completing a six-day anti-corruption tour of the Ankole sub-region, where he said his team encountered what he described as serious cases of alleged misuse of public resources.
The minister said the experiences from the districts visited had strengthened his resolve to take the fight against corruption directly to communities and government institutions.
Among the cases he cited was an allegation involving the Buhweju District LCV chairperson, who he claimed had received a Shs14 million bribe.
Balaam said a bank transaction slip had been presented as evidence of the alleged payment, although the allegations will have to be investigated and established by the relevant authorities.
He also raised concerns about conditions in some public institutions, particularly schools and health facilities.
“Teachers are not there. The hospitals have beds without mattresses,” Balaam said, recounting some of the issues he said were raised during the tour.
He further alleged that mattresses meant for a health facility had been sold to a private clinic by a District Health Officer.
The minister said such cases demonstrate the need for stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure public resources reach the people for whom they are intended.
‘No More Politeness’
Balaam said the government should not only pursue those accused of stealing public resources but also ensure that money found to have been misappropriated is recovered.
“We are not going to stop at that. They must refund all the money stolen,” he said.
He added that he had held discussions with the Chief Justice regarding efforts to strengthen enforcement of laws requiring individuals found guilty of corruption to refund public funds.
Responding to criticism that his anti-corruption campaign has been too confrontational, Balaam said he would not back down.
He cited President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to expose corruption and said the campaign would continue.
“If you don’t want to be exposed, don’t touch public money. Use it for the intended purpose, and let’s have value for money,” he said.
The minister’s comments come as the government continues to push for stronger action against corruption and improved accountability in local government institutions.
Balaam Explains Use Of Personal PA System
The minister also used the Mbarara briefing to address questions surrounding the use of a public address system during his anti-corruption tours.
Balaam confirmed that the equipment belongs to his company but said he has been providing it free of charge because the government did not allocate a specific budget for the accountability rallies.
He said the large crowds attending his engagements require a sound system for people to hear the proceedings.
“The public address system that we use indeed belongs to my company, but I’ve offered free service because the crowds I’m getting cannot hear my voice without the public address system,” he said.
Balaam maintained that he was providing the equipment as a contribution to the campaign and denied that government funds had been allocated for its use.
The minister’s anti-corruption campaign has attracted both support and criticism, particularly over the manner in which allegations are raised during public meetings.
However, Balaam insists that the approach will continue as he moves the campaign to other parts of the country.
During a recent anti-corruption conference in Mitooma District, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa also expressed support for the initiative.
The minister’s team is now expected to take the campaign to West Nile, with the next phase scheduled to begin in the coming week.
Balaam said the objective remains to expose misuse of public resources, demand accountability and ensure that government programmes deliver tangible services to citizens.
