Barugahara blames youth fund misuse for waning Museveni support in Busia
Barugahara also says the waning support has extended to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, which President Museveni also heads.
The youth and children’s state minister Balaam Barugahara (centre) reacting to the crwod during a public rally at Namungodi town council in Busia at Namungodi primary school on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (File photo)
By Egessa Hajusu
Journalists @New Vision
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Youth and children affairs state minister Balaam Barugahara has blamed the mismanagement of youth funds in Busia district for the declining support for President Yoweri Museveni. The 2026 general election is less than six months away.
Barugahara also says the waning support has extended to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, which President Museveni also heads.
Speaking at a campaign rally for NRM parliamentary aspirant John Mulimba in Busia district's Namungodi town council, on July 3, 2025, Barugahara demanded transparency over the district’s shillings 1.1 billion Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) allocation, challenging officials to publicly account for the funds.
Residents attending a rally that was addressed by the youth and children’s state minister Balaam Barugahara (centre) at Namungodi town council in Busia at Namungodi primary school on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (File photo)
Mulimba, who is the regional co-operation state minister, is contesting for Samia Bugwe North Parliamentary seat on the NRM party ticket.
“The President has invested heavily in youth empowerment, but if the money isn’t reaching you, how can you trust the system?” Barugahara asked a crowd of youth at Namungodi Primary School.
When district officials attempted to list beneficiaries, the audience shouted “no!” in unison, prompting Barugahara to order the arrest of Sylver Bwire, the town council’s development officer, for investigation.
Barugahara urged youth to rally behind Museveni and NRM candidate Hellen Auma, emphasising government efforts to transition Ugandans from subsistence to a “money economy.”
He cited investments like the shillings seven billion Wagagai Mining Uganda Ltd facility, which employs 1,500 locals, as proof of Museveni’s commitment to job creation.
Mulimba, who toured the gold mine with Barugahara, pledged to prioritise local employment and community development if elected.
“This investment is good for Busia, but we must ensure our youth benefit directly,” he said, echoing Barugahara’s call for accountability.
The minister’s sharp tone is not new over the same, he recently ordered probes into similar scandals in the districts of Koboko and Namutumba district and has repeatedly warned against diverting loans.