Minister Balaam orders probe into Koboko youth fund scandal

KOBOKO - The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr. Balaam Barugahara, has ordered an immediate investigation into the implementation of the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) in Koboko district, following allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds.

While on a visit to the district on Friday, June 13, Dr. Balaam met with residents, district leaders, and other stakeholders to assess the progress of various government initiatives, including YLP, EMYOOGA, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the Uganda Women Empowerment Program (UWEP).

Later in the evening, accompanied by Koboko Municipality Member of Parliament Dr. Charles Ayume, the minister hosted a public engagement dubbed the Koboko Youth Wake Up Rally.

It was during this event that he confronted district officials and residents about the implementation of YLP.

Dr. Balaam revealed that he was in Koboko not only to represent President Yoweri Museveni but also to ensure that government resources reach the intended beneficiaries.

When he asked the crowd if they had received YLP funds, many said they had not, while others claimed they were asked to pay bribes to access the funds, which is against the program’s goal of poverty alleviation.

Community Development Officers from both the municipal and district offices were asked to present detailed reports on the funds disbursed and the groups that benefited.

However, their reports were met with jeers and disbelief from residents, who insisted they had never heard of the named groups.

When the officials were asked to read out the group names and leaders, residents continued to dispute the information, accusing them of corruption and fabrication.

The minister responded by ordering the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Emmy Mitala, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), and other security agencies to investigate the distribution of YLP funds and verify the legitimacy of all listed beneficiaries down to the village level.

He warned that any official or resident found guilty would face arrest and prosecution.
According to Koboko’s Chief Administrative Officer, Ronald Mutegeka, the district has so far received sh1.027b under the YLP, supporting 127 groups comprising 1,695 beneficiaries.

Barugahara, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs in company of Dr. Charles Ayume, the Koboko municipality Member of Parliament arriving for the Koboko Youth Wake Up rally in Koboko Municipality. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

However, only 252 million shillings has been recovered, a recovery rate of 25%. Mutegeka attributed the poor recovery to group disintegration.

District Chairperson Asirafu Mambo expressed concern over the youth receiving funds without proper training in financial management or technical skills.

He called for comprehensive training in financial literacy and practical skills before any funds are disbursed to ensure the sustainability of the program.

He also applauded the government’s skilling hubs initiative but urged the expansion of intake to benefit more youth.

Dr. Ayume emphasised the importance of youth empowerment, noting that young people make up 70% of Uganda’s population.

He urged leaders to familiarise themselves with government programs so they can properly guide the public and ensure inclusivity.

He reminded locals of the region’s troubled past and encouraged them to take advantage of the current peace and government initiatives to transform their lives.

RDC Emmy Mitala assured residents that the district remains safe for business and youth activities, both day and night, thanks to the efforts of government security agencies.

The rally concluded with entertainment from local artists and the premiere of a new song titled Songa Mbeere by Koboko Stars, dedicated to the NRM.

The minister and MP supported the performers by contributing funds toward studio equipment.

The night ended with fireworks and traditional music performances that kept the community dancing into the early hours.

Koboko district, located 574 kilometers from Kampala, borders South Sudan to the north and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.

With a population of 271,781, approximately 24% or 64,005 are youth, making initiatives like YLP critical for the region’s development.