MBARARA — The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam, today has chaired a heated anti-corruption engagement at Mbarara District Hall, as part of the ongoing Presidential Directive “Expose and Eliminate Corruption in Uganda” campaign.
The meeting, which is still continuing, brought together the District Chairperson, RDC, CAO, District Speaker, Town Clerks, Heads of Departments, DISO/ISO, Chairpersons of District Service Commission and other technical staff.
The engagement is focusing on strengthening accountability, enhancing transparency in Local Governments, and improving service delivery.
During the meeting, some government projects have been brought up to be investigated in Mbarara District exposing alleged mismanagement, ghost beneficiaries and stalled projects worth billions.
PDM – Money to the Dead
It was reported that some PDM chairpersons are corrupt. In Karuyenje Parish, the chairman allegedly sent PDM funds to non-residents, including a deceased person in 2025. He was arrested during the Parish Barazas but was later released. Leaders asked the Minister to find out how the matter was concluded.
Kyanshama Dam – 11bn, No Water
The Kyanshama Dam in Nyabisirira Town Council, which cost Shs 11 billion, was launched in 2021 but has never extended water to the farmers who applied for irrigation. The reservoir tank cracked before its completion, and the district leadership reportedly refused to commission the project.
Mabira Dam – Contract Hidden
The Mabira Dam in Rwamyamahembe Town Council was done between 2016-2021. The report states that the Ministry of Water team refused to avail the district with the contract and other documents, but it is alleged that the cost was adjusted upwards by Shs 3 billion and the dam is still not fully functional.
Kakyeka Stadium – 3bn, No Turf
The Ministry of Finance allocated about Shs 3 billion in 2023 to the National Council of Sports for putting an artificial turf at Kakyeka Stadium, but the project allegedly never commenced.
Nganwa Hostel – Occupied at Zero Cost
Nganwa Hostel was allegedly irregularly rented to Generations Suites for 10 years at Shs 500,000 per month by the then CAO David Lubuuka. The contract expired in 2023 but the tenant is still allegedly using it illegally, paying no money to government because there is no contract. Council resolved re-advertisement but to date the tenant is still occupying the facility at zero cost.
Karuhama Irrigation Scheme – 600m for 6 People
The Karuhama irrigation scheme in Rubindi – Ruhumba Town Council cost about Shs 600 million. A low-capacity motor was allegedly installed which could not support the project properly, and it is now serving only six people.
Bwizibwera Market – Poor Vendors Charged
Vendors who were shifted from the roadside were allegedly charged over Shs 300,000 to shift to a new place, yet they are very poor people that the Town Council should have helped.
Payroll Fraud Allegations
In 2021, it was discovered that the Principal Human Resources Officer had allegedly submitted names of persons who had retired years back on the gratuity payroll to the Ministry of Finance. When asked, they allegedly claimed they were doing it for the Ministry to send the District more wage bill. From that time, copies of submissions were no longer shared with the political leadership. The report requests the Minister’s team to properly investigate payroll management.
It was also alleged that the same PHRO, Kagaba Allan, has been mobilising key stakeholders not to appear at the rally.
NRM Funds and PLE Registration
The report further alleges that the Mbarara District NRM chairpersons and team did not release any boda boda money for presidential elections protection.
It is also alleged that the NRM District Chairman, Prosper Tuhaise, influenced the registration of private learners from his school, Kururagire Memo Primary School, at Rwamukondo Primary School as government students for PLE. The report asked that the matter be handled carefully to avoid a political witch-hunt.
Government Land in Akashusano, Rubaya
The district leadership said it directed registration of all government land in the district. The land at Akashusano was titled but a neighbour is allegedly trying to connive with some government officials to reclaim the land through court.
Hon. Balaam said the campaign is a direct instruction from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and will continue across the region. He warned that all cases tabled will be handed to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation.
The Anti-Corruption Rally continues:
Tue 10th Nov – Ibanda, Wed 11th Nov – Kazo, Thu 12th Nov – Kiruhura, Fri 13th Nov – Isingiro, Sat 14th Nov – Lyantonde, Sun 15th Nov – Lwengo.
