President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has defended field inspection tours by local Government ministers Hon. Balaam Barugahara and Hon. Justine Nameere, saying their direct engagement with citizens is necessary given the widespread reports of corruption across government institutions.
In a statement President Museveni dismissed concerns that the officials could be “Kutomera” — blindly stumbling into issues — during their field visits.
He argued that the scale and frequency of reported corruption cases, coupled with what he described as impunity among some officials, justified direct engagement with citizens.
Museveni recalled that during the recent campaign period, some of his activities were interrupted after he received complaints from citizens about corruption, including alleged abuse of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
He also cited reports from elders in Bunyoro concerning the alleged sale of local government jobs, as well as concerns over “ghost” learners and teachers in government schools and health facilities.
“Therefore, the fear that the Barugaharas and Nameeres may Kutomera, may not be based on facts,” Museveni said.
The President called on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to designate an officer who can rapidly assess evidence emerging from the field and ensure that cases involving suspected corruption are prosecuted.
According to Museveni, two major factors have continued to undermine the fight against corruption: alleged cover-ups by officials responsible for protecting public interests and the failure by sections of the elite to report wrongdoing despite having access to decision-making centres.
He said the public barazas conducted by Barugahara, Nameere and others have helped bypass what he described as a “blockade” created by individuals within the elite who shield corrupt officials.
Museveni, however, noted that some members of the elite have acted patriotically by exposing corruption.
He singled out Hon. Byamukama, whom he said reported a racket involving extortionists operating within State House. According to Museveni, the suspects were subsequently trapped and arrested.
“This corruption in Uganda is stoppable,” the President said, urging government officials not to cover up corruption and citizens to report cases of wrongdoing.
The President said the strong public response to Barugahara and Nameere’s field engagements demonstrates citizens’ eagerness for leaders who directly listen to their concerns and take action.
He compared the current public mobilisation to the early days of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), when large crowds voluntarily attended public meetings without being provided with food, drinks or other incentives.
Museveni said the renewed public participation should encourage government institutions to respond decisively to corruption complaints and ensure that those found culpable face the law.
He concluded by reiterating his call for government officials to stop protecting corrupt individuals and for citizens to report wrongdoing whenever they encounter it.
The Ministry of Local Government in Uganda requested a total budget of UGX 7.498 trillion for the Financial Year 2026/2027
Meanwhile government allocated Shs 2.9 trillion to the Parish Development Model (PDM) program in the 2026/2027 financial year budget.
