Museveni backs Balaam, Nameere in anti-corruption fight approach

What the report says

President Yoweri Museveni has publicly defended the anti-corruption inspection tours led by Local Government ministers Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere, saying the visits are a response to repeated complaints from citizens rather than random searches for wrongdoing. In a statement posted on X, he said people have long raised concerns about corruption in government programmes, alleged sale of local government jobs, and so-called ghost learners and teachers in public schools and health centres.

According to The Observer, Museveni argued that the ministers’ community-based inspections are helping expose problems that officials have ignored or covered up. He said some public officers and members of the elite have failed to report misconduct, while others have shielded those implicated. He also said he had personally received complaints during campaign events and had to pause some activities to address them.

The President called for the Director of Public Prosecutions to assign an officer to quickly review evidence collected during the inspections and move cases forward where appropriate. He also praised officials who report corruption, citing Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama as someone who previously helped expose an extortion racket. Museveni’s remarks come amid debate over the ministers’ methods, which have included surprise visits, public questioning of officials and some arrests, drawing both support and criticism.

Baraguhara and Nameere have said their actions are based on whistleblower information and work with technical experts, security agencies and anti-corruption bodies. Museveni said the broader message is that corruption can be tackled if officials and citizens report suspected abuse instead of protecting those involved.