Balaam Barugahara orders arrests and school completion in Masindi

Uganda’s Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has launched an anti-corruption campaign in Masindi, ordering the arrest and interdiction of 12 civil servants for various allegations of embezzlement and misconduct. These allegations include the misappropriation of funds for irrigation projects, classroom rehabilitation, and the sale of civil service jobs.

As part of his directives, Barugahara has given Masindi Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Kasaija one month to ensure that CMD Investments Limited completes the Kijunjubwa Seed Secondary School. The World Bank-funded project, valued at 3.3 billion Shillings, has faced significant delays despite the contractor receiving over 1.7 billion Shillings. The school remains incomplete, forcing students to use old or condemned structures.

Addressing the root causes of corruption, Barugahara also proposed increasing the salaries of local government political leaders. He noted that current pay for LC5 chairpersons is disproportionately low compared to the technical officials they supervise, arguing that better remuneration could help mitigate corrupt practices. He has raised this proposal with the Ministry of Finance for the 2027/28 financial year budget.