KIKUUBE DISTRICT, 11th OCT 2026 – Hon. Balaam has uncovered serious mismanagement at Buhimba Technical Institute in Kikuube District, despite government investment of over Shs10 billion.
Buhimba Technical Institute, established in 2015 and located 6km off the Fort Portal Road in Buhimba Town Council, was envisioned as a centre of excellence for vocational and technical training in the Albertine region. It offers National Certificate courses in Welding, Building and Construction, Agriculture, Automotive Mechanics, and Electrical Installation.
Despite the huge investment, the state of the institute does not reflect the funds injected.
During an impromptu visit as part of his ongoing anti-corruption campaign “Expose the Corrupt in Local Government,” Hon. Balaam found the compound bushy and poorly maintained, raising concerns of neglect and possible misuse of funds.
The institute’s bus was found abandoned with parts missing. It had reportedly been grounded for years before efforts were made to repair it.
Inside the workshops, the situation was worse. Students lack adequate materials for practical learning, hindering hands-on training. Several machines were physically present but not operational.
A student representative and former Guild President thanked the minister’s team for visiting and posed a pointed question: “Where have the district leaders of Kikuube been? Why are they only showing up now when the Expose the Corrupt campaign is being conducted?”
He said students have been reporting their challenges for a long time without any response.
It was also revealed that the former accountant, Mrs. Mary Wizire, who was alleged to have misused funds and was reportedly imprisoned for corruption, has had no further action taken on her case. Sources at the institute claim she was never actually arrested.
Hon. Balaam has instructed the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate the matter and pledged to table the issue before the Ministry of Education and Sports for follow-up action.
