Balaam's Anti-Corruption Drive Leaves 74 Bunyoro Civil Servants on the Brink

What the report says

Uganda’s Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara has ended an anti-corruption tour of the Bunyoro sub-region by ordering the interdiction of 74 civil servants while investigations begin into alleged corruption, embezzlement and abuse of office, according to Nile Post. The actions span several districts and cities in the region, with officials in Hoima, Kikuube, Buliisa, Masindi, Kiryandongo and Hoima City among those affected.

The report says the minister also directed arrests in a number of cases involving public projects and alleged misuse of resources. Among those cited was Hoima Resident District Commissioner Rogers Mbabazi, who was arrested after residents accused him of asking for money to help settle land disputes. In Hoima District, Balaam also ordered inquiries into allegations against district chairperson Uthuman Mugisha and two councillors over claims linked to job-seeking payments.

In Kikuube District, the minister visited schools, water projects and a land board office, where he was told about suspected diversion of funds, a non-functioning water project, alleged shoddy work in schools and reported illegal titling of government land. He ordered further arrests and interdictions there as well. Nile Post reports that Balaam said those found culpable would face court and may be required to repay misused public funds.

The broader significance is that the sweep reflects an intensified local anti-corruption effort in Uganda’s western region, with attention on how district-level officials handle land, jobs, infrastructure and public spending.