Balaam Flags Shs6bn Payroll Irregularities in Ntungamo

What the report says

Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara has raised fresh concerns about accountability in Ntungamo District, citing alleged payroll irregularities, ghost workers, procurement questions and stalled or underperforming public projects. According to Nile Post, he made the remarks during an accountability meeting at Ntungamo District headquarters with local leaders, technical staff and other stakeholders as part of the government’s anti-corruption drive.

The article says an external payroll review reportedly found irregularities worth about Shs5.9 billion, including suspected payments to ghost workers. Ntungamo’s Principal Human Resource Officer, Jennifer Muhirwe, told the meeting that a payroll clean-up had identified 38 uncertified ghost staff and 69 alleged ghost health centres. The report also notes that questions were raised about a loan allegedly advanced to a deceased person.

Barugahara further questioned district spending on school furniture, saying three-seater desks supplied to 34 government schools cost Shs182 million in total, with each desk reportedly priced at Shs298,000. He also urged merit-based recruitment and raised concerns about possible nepotism and the appointment of unqualified personnel. Beyond payroll issues, he inspected public works in the district, including a school building at Nyamurindira Primary School and a solar-powered production well in Nyarwanya Parish, where residents reportedly said they still lacked water.

Following the inspection, the minister directed district authorities to reallocate funds for sanitation and classroom construction. The developments suggest renewed scrutiny of Ntungamo’s spending, procurement and service delivery, though the article presents the concerns as allegations and audit-related findings rather than final legal determinations.