ALHAJI FARUK KIRUNDA: Bad news for thieves: Balaam’s drive is unstoppable

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion article by Alhaji Faruk Kirunda, identified as Special Presidential Assistant for Press and Mobilisation and Deputy Press Secretary at State House, defending an anti-corruption drive led by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara and State Minister Justine Nameere. The article says the ministers have been conducting “sting” visits in districts and cities, beginning in eastern Uganda, to examine alleged corruption, mismanagement, poor workmanship and incompetence in local government projects.

Kirunda argues that the public-facing approach has drawn support from citizens but also criticism from some officials and technocrats who say investigations and due process should come before public action. He acknowledges those concerns but says visible inspections are necessary because formal audits, inquiries and case files have often failed to produce timely accountability. He links the campaign to President Yoweri Museveni’s stated “no sleep, no corruption” direction for the current term.

The commentary cites, as an example, a timber bridge in Bulambuli said to have cost Shs60 million, using it to argue that some cases of poor value for money are apparent without lengthy technical review. Kirunda also alleges that some district political and technical leaders benefit from weak oversight and substandard works, while noting that not all officials are implicated.

The piece matters because it reflects State House-aligned support for a more confrontational and public anti-corruption method within local governments. However, the article is commentary rather than a detailed investigative report, and the specific allegations it references would require independent verification and formal accountability processes.