BUNYANGABU District – The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, has commissioned a new five-classroom block at Kadindimo Primary School in Rwimi Sub County, calling it an example of what effective collaboration between government and development partners can achieve.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Barugahara said the project demonstrates how service delivery should work at the grassroots.
“This is service delivery at its best. It is what happens when government collaborates with development partners like the Movit Foundation,” he told parents, teachers, learners and local leaders gathered at the school.
Barugahara, who was accompanied by the Ministry officials, Members of Parliament, and Bunyangabu district officials, said his core mandate is to ensure government programs reach every Ugandan and that resources are used for their intended purpose.
He linked the classroom project to President Museveni’s current focus on fighting corruption.
“President Museveni has made it clear that his main focus this term is to address corruption at all levels. My assignment is to fix the gaps and ensure things are done right in our local governments so that Ugandans enjoy improved services,” Barugahara said.
The Minister referenced the Ministry’s nationwide inspection drive dubbed ‘Expose the Corrupt in Local Government’, saying it is already yielding results.
“The era of laxity, impunity, and misuse of public resources must end,” he said. “I want to assure you that I will continue confronting, not the people of Bunyangabu, but the inefficiency, the corruption, and the mismanagement of resources meant for the poor.”
Barugahara described the Ministry of Local Government as the bridge between central government and communities. He noted that while decentralisation was meant to bring services closer to the people, not all local governments have lived up to that vision.
Turning to the Parish Development Model, he said the flagship poverty alleviation program has the potential to transform rural livelihoods, but is being slowed by mismanagement, weak supervision, and limited community participation.
“The Ministry of Local Government is playing a central role in ensuring that PDM succeeds. And success requires strong oversight and accountability mechanisms, to eliminate misuse of public resources and ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries,” he said.
He directed Bunyangabu district leaders to ensure transparency in the implementation of programs in education, health, agriculture and infrastructure.
“To the leaders of Bunyangabu District, I say: I will be watching. I will be inspecting. And I will hold you accountable for the services you deliver to your people,” Barugahara warned.
The Minister commended the Movit Foundation for investing in education and community development, saying NGOs are “a vital driver of Uganda’s transformation.”
He also challenged parents and community members to take ownership of the new facility.
“This is your school, your children, and your future. Protect this facility. Use it well. And hold your leaders, from the parish level to the district, accountable for ensuring that every child in Bunyangabu has access to quality education,” he said.
Barugahara closed by urging unity and integrity in public service.
“Let this handover be more than a ceremony. Let it be a statement that Bunyangabu District is committed to progress, that Uganda is committed to education, and that together, we will build a nation where every child has the opportunity to rise. When we work together, with integrity, purpose, and a commitment to service, we can build a Uganda where every child, regardless of where they are born, has the opportunity to succeed.”
