Minister Balaam takes anti-corruption crusade to West Nile
During his stay in Pakwach, Barugahara is expected to inspect several government projects, engage residents and follow up on allegations of corruption and service delivery failures raised during his visit.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara (c) in Pakwach where he said his visit to the district was aimed at addressing challenges affecting residents rather than receiving praise. (Courtesy)
_____________________ Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara (2nd right) during a talk show on Pakwach FM, where he said his visit to the district was aimed at addressing challenges affecting residents rather than receiving praise. (Courtesy)
Local government minister Balaam Barugahara has taken his anti-corruption crusade to the West Nile region, where he is expected to spend several days inspecting government projects, engaging residents and investigating allegations of abuse of public resources.
The minister was welcomed in Pakwach district by residents and local leaders, who expressed hope that his visit would help address corruption, which they said was undermining service delivery.
Barugahara first appeared on a talk show on Pakwach FM, where he said he had not come to receive praise but to address problems affecting the district.
He said MP Jane Avur Pacuto (who was present during the engagements) had raised concerns over the Parish Development Model (PDM), including allegations that beneficiaries were charged money to access funds.
“If there are government schools charging money, they will be reported for action. I will also investigate road funds to the district, and in case we find misappropriation, the culprits will be apprehended. I want people to be free and speak out."
Barugahara said President Yoweri Museveni wants Uganda to be free of corruption and that the government was committed to implementing that agenda.
“I have come with the broom to sweep Pakwach. However, this will be affected by the information that will be brought out by the locals."
He said that after his departure, local leaders would be tasked with holding parish barazas to follow up on issues raised by residents. “We are not here just to arrest, but to flush out all the particles that are making the President’s work difficult."
The minister also said he had summoned the fisheries commander to respond to allegations of torture of fishermen, stressing that the President had never ordered security personnel to abuse them.
He warned that people selling illegal fishing gear would also be investigated and arrested for allegedly misleading young fishermen into engaging in illegal fishing.
Pakwach district chairman Shaban Ofoi Kinobe welcomed the minister and said the district was committed to fighting corruption.
“We will stand with you to ensure that together we fight corruption, and we are ready to offer any assistance needed."
He cited sh375 million reportedly provided by the Ministry of Health to the Engineering Brigade in 2023, saying the intended project had not been implemented.
He also reported that sh600 million had been allocated for the construction of an Outpatient Department at a Health Centre IV but said the facility had not been constructed.
The chairman further raised concerns about the non-functionality of the Wadela irrigation scheme and several dams, accusing the Ministry of Water and Environment of failing to provide adequate support.
Pakwach resident district commissioner Steven Ewayo said the district was fortunate to host the minister and pledged cooperation in the fight against corruption. “We are lucky that the political wing in the district is part of the fight, unlike other places where politicians shield the corrupt."
He encouraged residents to report cases of corruption and other service delivery failures.
Ssozi Galabuzi, head of the Parish Development Model, said concerns raised by MP Pacuto during an NRM MPs’ retreat were among the main reasons for the team’s visit.
“We are here to address the issues raised by the intended beneficiaries of the PDM. We are here to listen to the issues that will come up, and we promise to address all of them,” he said.
During his stay in Pakwach, Barugahara is expected to visit several government projects, interact with residents and lead an anti-corruption crusade.