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Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has revealed that his security has been strengthened as he intensifies a nationwide campaign against corruption in local governments, insisting that threats and intimidation will not force him to abandon the exercise.
Speaking during an anti-corruption engagement, Balaam said the campaign enjoys the full support of President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
"I have a clear directive from the President to sort out local government, and from my chairman, the CDF. My security has been enhanced and therefore I will not fear anyone," Balaam said.
The minister's remarks come as the Ministry of Local Government, working alongside State Minister Justine Nameere, continues carrying out surprise inspections in districts across the country.
The operation has largely focused on allegations involving ghost workers, inflated school enrolment figures, absentee public servants, procurement irregularities and the misuse of funds under government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
According to Balaam, corruption within local governments has for years deprived ordinary citizens of essential services, despite billions of shillings being allocated annually to districts and municipalities.
The minister said government is determined to ensure that public funds reach their intended beneficiaries and that officials responsible for mismanaging resources are held accountable.
One of the inspections that attracted national attention took place in Mbale, where ministry officials reportedly discovered significant differences between official enrolment figures and the number of learners physically attending classes in a government-aided school.
Balaam argued that inflated enrolment figures distort planning and result in the misuse of public resources intended to improve education services.
Meanwhile, State Minister Justine Nameere has vowed that the ministry will not be intimidated by officials attempting to frustrate investigations.
"The law does not permit theft of public funds and those responsible will be pursued," Nameere said during one of the accountability meetings.
The anti-corruption drive has received praise from some members of the public who believe local governments have escaped accountability for too long.
However, others have urged authorities to ensure that investigations are conducted fairly and that suspects are accorded due process before conclusions are reached.
For Balaam, however, the message remains clear.
"My security has been enhanced and I will fear nobody," the minister reiterated.
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