By Spy Uganda
Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara’s “Expose the Corrupt” campaign has taken a major step in the fight against corruption after the State House Anti-Corruption Agency recommended the interdiction of 28 district and city officials in Isingiro, Buhweju and Mbarara.
The recommendations follow a series of investigations arising from the minister’s recent visits to local governments in the Nkore region, where he has been pushing for greater accountability, transparency and improved service delivery.
In a statement, Barugahara said the State House Anti-Corruption Agency had asked the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government to interdict the officials to allow investigations into alleged high-level corruption to proceed without interference.
“The State House Anti-Corruption Agency has recommended to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, that the following district and city officials be interdicted to pave way for impartial investigations into alleged high-level corruption,” Barugahara said.
The officials named in the recommendations hold key positions in administration, finance, procurement, health, engineering, natural resources, production and revenue collection.
In Isingiro District, those listed include District Natural Resources Officer Bwengye Emmanuel, District Veterinary Officer Dr Kasozi Bruhan, District Procurement Officer Kamwine Frank, Chief Finance Officer Byagagire Innocent, Principal Assistant Secretary Gumisiriza Aloysius, Chief Administrative Officer Alice Asiimwe Rushure, District Engineer Ayebazibwe Mishaki and District Commercial Officer Musinguzi Patrick.
In Buhweju District, the list includes Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Katambakyi Swizen, District Production Officer Nshemerirwe Flavia, District Health Officer Atukunda Prudence, Assistant Nursing Officer Byamukama John, Midwives Musimenta Lilian and Tusasire Julian, Assistant Nursing Officer Katushabe Aurellia, SAS/Town Clerk of Nsika Town Council Bainemugisha Gastone, Senior Education Assistant Twinomuhoozi Gilbert, District Internal Auditor Twinomugisha Charles and a District Physical Planner whose name is yet to be confirmed.
Mbarara City has also been affected, with the recommendations covering Town Clerk Barekye Justine, City Commercial/Trade Officer Karakure Allan, Natural Resources Officer Niwagaba Sancho, Community Development Officer Kabeigarire Mirabel, City Health Officer Mugisha Longino, Finance Officer Kamugisha Dunant, Procurement Officer Atwine Edgar, Revenue Officer Samuel Rwakinanga and City Engineer Tumwijukye Ben.
The recommended interdictions are intended to separate the officials from their duties while investigations are conducted, allowing investigators to examine the allegations without possible interference from those holding the offices under scrutiny.
Barugahara said the action should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against any of the officials.
“The individuals listed are suspects, not convicted persons, and the investigations should establish the facts while ensuring that due process is fully observed,” he said.
The development represents one of the most significant outcomes of the minister’s ongoing “Expose the Corrupt” campaign, which has taken him to different parts of the country to inspect government programmes, interact with citizens and scrutinise service delivery.
During the visits, the campaign has focused on issues including alleged misuse of public resources, corruption in government programmes, absenteeism, demands for bribes and failures in the delivery of public services.
Barugahara has repeatedly argued that corruption at local government level undermines government programmes intended to improve the livelihoods of ordinary Ugandans.
The latest recommendations have now put a number of senior officials under investigation while giving the relevant authorities an opportunity to establish whether the allegations are supported by evidence.
Barugahara said the campaign would continue, stressing that protecting public resources requires sustained action from government institutions and citizens.
“The fight against corruption and the campaign to protect public resources must continue. Uganda deserves accountable leadership, transparency and quality services for every citizen,” he said.
The investigations will determine whether the allegations against the officials are substantiated and whether further action should be taken.
