Minister Balaam Barugahara has ordered the interdiction of 26 local government officials across Ankole sub-region, citing alleged corruption and financial mismanagement, with investigations underway into charges ranging from land sales to infrastructure contracts. The move, part of the Expose the Corrupt
campaign, has triggered mixed reactions, including calls for transparency and concerns over due process.
The crackdown, announced by Local Government Minister Mr Balaam Barugahara, targets 26 officials across Isingiro, Buhweju, Mitooma, and Mbarara City, with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) recommending their temporary suspension to ensure impartial investigations. The action follows a broader national campaign against graft, with Barugahara emphasizing that the interdicted officials are suspects, not convicted persons,
and that due process must be upheld. These interdictions are intended to allow investigations to proceed independently and without interference,
he said, citing Section (F-s) (14) of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021.
Scope of the Crackdown
The interdiction spans multiple districts, with 26 officials named across Ankole, including 8 in Isingiro, 11 in Buhweju, and 9 in Mbarara City.
Key allegations include mismanagement of Shs5 billion for road maintenance in Buhweju, irregular land sales in Mbarara, and financial losses exceeding Shs716 million from property tax mismanagement. In Mitooma District, eight officials were suspended on August 8, including the District Health Officer and Senior Engineer/Acting District Engineer, per Monitor. The suspensions, lasting six months, limit officials to half their salary and restrict travel without authorization.
Key Officials and Allegations
Among the interdicted is former Deputy Town Clerk Richard Mugisha, accused of selling council land at below-market value, and Procurement Officer Dina Mwije, who alleged she was reinstated after SHACU reviewed her case. redpepper.co.ug details charges against Mbarara City officials, including Dr. Keirukye Mugisha and City Engineer Jackie Tumwine, for alleged irregularities in road projects. The minister also cited Shs216 million in irregular payments to Kwed Construction Limited for Col. Ndahendekire Road, prompting a forensic audit.
In Buhweju, 11 officials faced scrutiny, including the Deputy CAO and District Health Officer, while Isingiro’s interdicted staff included the Chief Administrative Officer and District Engineer. ChimpReports lists names like Dr. Kasozi Bruhan (District Veterinary Officer) and Musinguzi Patrick (District Commercial Officer), emphasizing the technical and administrative roles affected.
Legal and Procedural Framework
The interdiction process is governed by Section (F-s) (14) of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021, which allows temporary suspensions for investigations. Monitor notes that suspended officials receive half their salary and must seek permission for travel. Barugahara reiterated that the measures are not punitive but procedural, stating, The individuals listed are suspects, not convicted persons, and the investigations should establish the facts while ensuring that due process is fully observed.
However, some officials, like Mwije, argue that the process lacks transparency. She revealed that procurement files for the 2025/2026 financial year were missing upon her return, raising questions about institutional accountability. redpepper.co.ug also reports that the minister directed the recall of former officials, such as Logino Mugisha, to ensure their cooperation in investigations.
Reactions and Responses
Residents and local leaders have responded with mixed reactions. Resident Aggrey Mbazira called the minister’s intervention “long overdue,” while former city councillor Byansi Muhammad praised the effort to address systemic issues. redpepper.co.ug quotes Mbazira as stating, If all ministers actively supervised their sectors similarly, corruption would significantly reduce.
The minister’s office has faced criticism for allegedly bypassing legal guidance, as seen in the case of the Chief Finance Officer and Principal Procurement Officer, who were interdicted despite legal advice against it. redpepper.co.ug highlights this as a potential conflict between executive action and legal safeguards.
Implications and Next Steps
The crackdown underscores the government’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts, with Barugahara framing it as part of a broader fight against corruption and the campaign to protect public resources.
However, the suspensions have also raised concerns about due process and the potential for political motivations. Monitor notes that the actions align with the minister’s Expose the Corrupt
campaign, which has previously led to arrests in Bugisu sub-region.
Looking ahead, the outcomes of the investigations will determine whether the interdictions are seen as a victory for accountability or a precedent for executive overreach. With forensic audits ongoing and officials required to record statements, the coming weeks will test the balance between transparency and procedural fairness. As Barugahara stated, Uganda deserves accountable leadership, transparency and quality services for every citizen.
Whether this vision materializes remains to be seen.
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