BUHWEJU DISTRICT – Concerns over corruption, poor implementation of government projects, lack of accountability, and the district’s failure to benefit from its vast gold resources dominats discussions as the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, chairs a meeting in Buhweju District to assess the implementation of government programmes and strengthen service delivery.
The meeting has brought together the district leadership, led by District Chairperson Deogracious Atuhaire, the Speaker of Council, district councilors, technical officers, security agencies, and members of the public to evaluate the performance of various government programmes, identify implementation gaps, and discuss practical solutions to improve service delivery across the district. The engagement forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, enhance transparency, and ensure that public resources are utilized efficiently for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Balaam has emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that government programmes achieve their intended objectives and directly improve the livelihoods of citizens. He warned public officials against the misuse of public funds, abuse of office, and any practices that undermine public trust, stressing that accountability remains one of the government’s key priorities. The minister has thanked the leaders and residents of Buhweju for putting aside their daily activities to attend the meeting, saying their participation reflected a collective commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance. He noted that such engagements provide an opportunity for government and local communities to openly discuss the challenges affecting service delivery and work together to find lasting solutions.
On behalf of the district leadership, District Chairperson Deogracious Atuhaire welcomed Hon. Balaam and his delegation, expressing appreciation to the Ministry of Local Government for prioritizing Buhweju in its nationwide assessment of government programmes. He commended the minister for personally leading the exercise and said the visit had given the people of Buhweju renewed hope that long-standing challenges affecting development in the district would receive the attention they deserve.
Atuhaire has expressed concern over what he has described as the continued implementation of some government-funded projects without adequate consultation with local leaders and communities. According to him, projects are sometimes designed in Kampala and implemented in the district without involving local stakeholders who understand the needs of the people. He has argued that this has resulted in poor-quality projects that fail to deliver the expected impact. As an example, he cited an irrigation scheme established in the district, saying it could not irrigate even half an acre of farmland despite the resources invested in it. He urged government ministries and implementing agencies to involve local leaders from the planning stage to ensure projects respond to community priorities and deliver value for money.
The district chairperson has also raised concerns about the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), alleging that some individuals had exploited the programme by misappropriating funds intended to transform household incomes. He said district authorities had already arrested several suspects in connection with the alleged misuse of PDM funds but appealed to the central government to provide additional support in strengthening oversight and bringing all those responsible to justice.
Atuhaire further has alleged that corruption within District Service Commissions continues to undermine merit-based recruitment into public service. He claimed that brokers have infiltrated the recruitment process by demanding money from job seekers with promises of securing government employment. He appealed to the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, expose those involved, and restore transparency and integrity in the recruitment process.
The district chairperson has also highlighted what he described as a long-standing injustice regarding Buhweju’s mineral wealth. He noted that although gold has been mined in the district for many years, Buhweju has never received royalties from the mining activities. He appealed to the government to ensure that the district benefits from its natural resources, arguing that revenue from gold mining could significantly improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other essential public services for local communities.
