Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara has ordered 74 civil servants in the Bunyoro sub-region to be interdicted as investigations begin into alleged corruption, embezzlement and abuse of public office.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara has concluded an anti-corruption tour of the Bunyoro sub-region, ordering the interdiction of 74 civil servants and the arrest of several officials over alleged corruption and abuse of public resources.
Among those affected are Hoima Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Rogers Mbabazi, who was arrested following allegations of soliciting money to intervene in land disputes, and officials in Hoima and Kikuube districts accused of misconduct.
Balaam said investigations had commenced and those found culpable would be taken to court to answer charges.
During his visit to Hoima District, Balaam inspected government projects and schools before holding a community baraza at Kigorobya Muslim Primary School.
Residents accused Mbabazi of demanding money to intervene in land disputes but allegedly failing to resolve them and instead siding with wealthy individuals against poorer landowners.
Balaam directed his arrest, and Mbabazi was detained at Kitoba Police Station.
At the same meeting, residents accused Hoima District Chairperson Uthuman Mugisha of soliciting money from job seekers without securing them employment.
According to a report presented by Balaam, Mugisha was also accused of working with workers’ councillor Hellen Mulumba and Kyabigambire councillor Hillary Tumusiime to collect money from people seeking jobs. Balaam directed investigations into the allegations.
A total of 10 workers in Hoima District were ordered to be interdicted.
Balaam then travelled to Kikuube District, where he visited Buhimba Technical School and was informed of alleged collusion between the school accountant and principal to divert public funds through personal bank accounts. He ordered investigations, and one suspect was arrested.
In Kyangwali Sub-county, Balaam learnt that the district land board had allegedly titled government land measuring about three square miles. He ordered the arrest of the board members and directed that investigations be conducted.
In Bugambe Sub-county, Balaam found a water project reportedly costing Shs500 million that was not functioning. He ordered the arrest of district water engineer Hillary Agondeze.
He also directed the arrest and interdiction of district education officer Deogratius Byakagaba and district engineer Emmy Alinitwe over alleged shoddy work in several schools.
Later, during a community baraza at Sir Tito Primary School in Kiziranfumbi, residents accused Kikuube RDC Godwin Angalia of taking money from people while allegedly promising them land in Bugoma Forest.
Balaam said Angalia left the meeting after the allegations were raised. The minister called on him to return and explain himself, but he did not appear.
“So, he should be arrested, besides my report, their even other people accusing him that he took their money promising them land in a government forest,” Balaam said.
A total of 17 civil servants in Kikuube District were ordered to be interdicted as investigations began.
Speaking about his findings, Balaam said that although corruption in Bunyoro did not appear as extensive as in some other areas he had visited, he had identified cases involving alleged embezzlement of public funds and other forms of misconduct.
Across the sub-region, nine staff members in Kiryandongo District were affected, while Masindi District recorded 14, including RDC Darius Nandinda and his deputy, Ddaala Sanoni.
Another 14 officials in Buliisa District were affected, while 10 in Hoima City and 10 in Hoima District were ordered to be interdicted. Kikuube District accounted for 17, bringing the total to 74.
Balaam said investigations would determine responsibility, adding that those found guilty would be prosecuted and, where necessary, ordered to refund misappropriated public funds.