The nationwide anti-corruption Baraza campaign led by the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, continues to draw massive grassroots attention, with no sign of slowing down even on weekends.
On his way to Soi County today for a scheduled public Baraza, Hon. Balaam was intercepted by different groups of residents who blocked the road demanding to be heard. The residents, who had gathered along the route, cut off the Minister’s convoy in a bid to present their grievances on service delivery and alleged mismanagement of public resources in their area.
In a calm but firm response that has become characteristic of his field tours, Hon. Balaam addressed the crowd on the spot. He thanked them for their vigilance and patriotism but urged them not to hold a roadside meeting.
The Minister has directed all the residents to follow him to the official venue in Soi County, where a full Baraza is already organized, so that their issues could be formally recorded, investigated and acted upon.
“Follow me to Soi County for the Baraza and bring all your issues there,” Hon. Balaam told the residents, assuring them that every complaint would be heard.
The residents complied and have joined the Minister’s convoy heading to Soi County, where hundreds of other locals are already gathered to participate in the accountability forum.
The incident underscores the growing public confidence in the ongoing anti-corruption drive. The campaign, jointly led by Hon. Balaam and State Minister Hon. Justine Nameere, involves impromptu inspections of schools, health centres and government projects, and open Barazas where citizens report corruption directly.
President Yoweri Museveni has since backed the approach, saying the ministers have bypassed the blockade created by corrupt officials by going directly to the people through Barazas. The Inspectorate of Government has also welcomed the drive, noting that it is actively investigating complaints gathered from the field.
