Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Mbarara city turns rowdy upon Minister Balaam's visit in the city
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MBARARA CITY
The Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, has ordered the arrest and interdiction of 12 senior Mbarara City officials over alleged corruption, misuse, and mismanagement of government funds. The affected officials include the Town Clerk, City Engineer, Deputy Town Clerk, City Commercial Officer, Division Revenue Officer, City Health Officer, Environment Officer, among others.
The action followed an interactive engagement with district leaders and residents under the ongoing #ExposeTheCorrupt campaign.
Hon Balaam tightly guarded while walking on the streets of Mbarara
Officials Interdicted
The interdicted and arrested staff include:
According to Barugahara, the officials have caused a total loss of about Shs 3 billion through tender contract variations, property tax mismanagement, unaccounted salary advances, and irregular payments to contractors without proper documentation. He also cited the restoration of previously interdicted corrupt staff, with some receiving promotions while others were transferred to other districts.
Dinah holding the mic testifying against her boss the town clerk how she illegally interdicted her from office
Minister's Detailed Allegations
Wetland Land Purchases
"For instance, Mbarara City Council bought market land in Kikona at Shs 300 million in 2021/22, yet it is a wetland. The accounting officer and everyone involved should be arrested and charged for causing financial loss to the government. Even if they are retired or transferred, they should be recalled to answer charges."
He also noted that Shs 270 million was spent on Nyakayojo Matooke Market Land, also in a wetland, under a three-phase power line.
Justine Barekye, Town Clerk Mbarara City, and her Deputy Ejau Simon that were arrested on Tuesday
Recycling of Corrupt Staff
Barugahara expressed outrage that Donanti Mutahi, who was arrested and charged with stealing Emyooga funds, was later promoted to Division Revenue Officer after refunding the money.
"Such a person should not come back to office. Instead, you promoted him. He should be interdicted with immediate effect and face the law. The same applies to James Agaba, now in Fort Portal. You can't recycle a thief from here to another district. You remain a thief."
Mayor Robert Kakyebezi speaking
Property Tax Mismanagement
The minister highlighted a loss of Shs 712 million in property tax management, implicating the Town Clerk, Deputy Town Clerk, former engineer, and others.
Irregular Contract Payments
A total of Shs 216 million was irregularly paid to a contractor on Col Ndahendekire Road. The road was initially contracted at Shs 1.59 billion, but an extra Shs 216 million was added without proper approval.
Minister Barugahara comforting people of Mbarara City how he will fight corruption in the city
Unlawful Interdictions
The Town Clerk was accused of irregularly interdicting Chief Finance Officer David Mbarekye and Principal Procurement Officer Dinah Mwije, despite guidance from the Attorney General.
Dinah Mwije confirmed that her interdiction was malicious and that upon reinstatement, she found contracts worth billions awarded without any documentation.
Other Losses
Market Leadership Election
The minister ordered the election of a new market leadership. Emmanuel Muhumuza retained his seat as chairman of Mbarara Central Market Association.
Min. Balaam meeting traders at Mbarara Central market
Mayor Welcomes Crackdown
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Kakyebezi thanked the minister for the visit and supported the investigations.
"I want to comfort you that as fellow local leaders, we shall not fight this. All of us want a new Uganda free from corruption. Whoever is found corrupt will pay back what they stole."
Minister's Defiant Message
Barugahara dismissed concerns about blackmail and vowed to continue the fight:
"This war is not my war. I am not against anyone. It is not the president's war — it is a war for all of us. Ugandans want improved service delivery. I know when you are fighting corruption, many will come up with blackmail stories, but I don't care. Bring your blackmail as I proceed to clean Uganda for the next generation. The next generation must be corruption-free. I am not a politician; I am an action man. No corrupt officer will remain in Mbarara City from today onwards."
Background and Next Steps
This is not the first time the minister has taken action. Recently, he interdicted six technocrats in Ssembabule District over gross negligence and mismanagement.
From Mbarara City, Barugahara will proceed to Mbarara District, Buhweju, and Mitooma Districts.
"We shall handle four districts per region until we finish the whole country. Corruption is the biggest cancer hindering development," he noted.
