Uganda: President Museveni backs anti-corruption tours and defends ministerial appointments

President Yoweri Museveni has expressed support for anti-corruption field inspection tours led by Ministers David Barugahara and Phiona Nyamutoro Nameere. Museveni stated that their direct engagement with citizens is essential for exposing corruption within government systems, specifically addressing issues such as irregularities in the Parish Development Model, the sale of local government jobs, and the existence of “ghost” teachers and learners in schools.

To address the findings from these tours, Museveni called upon the Director of Public Prosecutions to assign a dedicated officer to rapidly assess evidence and facilitate the prosecution of those involved in criminal wrongdoing. He noted that corruption is often facilitated by cover-ups from officials and a lack of reporting by the elite.

In a separate political development, analysis of Juma Witonze’s appointment as State Minister for Internal Affairs highlights his background in grassroots mobilization. Despite previous electoral losses, Witonze built political influence through organizational roles, including serving as the NRM chairperson for Gomba District and a coordinator for the party in Greater Mpigi.