The newly appointed Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has pledged to spearhead grassroots transformation and intensify the fight against corruption in government poverty alleviation programs following his appointment by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In a statement issued shortly after his appointment, Balaam expressed gratitude to God and President Museveni for elevating him to the ministerial position, vowing to work tirelessly to improve service delivery and uplift communities from poverty.
Quoting Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established,” Balaam said he remains committed to serving Ugandans and ensuring government programs directly benefit citizens at the grassroots level.
He also thanked President Museveni, Gen. Salim Saleh, and Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for mentoring and supporting him, promising not to disappoint them.
The minister revealed that efforts to strengthen local governance structures and improve livelihoods at parish level would begin immediately, emphasizing a parish-by-parish approach to mobilization and service delivery.
“I will not sleep until every parish shines and poverty is removed from our communities,” Balaam stated, calling on Ugandans to work together to transform communities and build a stronger nation.
He further declared zero tolerance for corruption, particularly in the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other poverty eradication initiatives during the current term of government.
Balaam stressed that service delivery must reach every household, urging citizens to actively participate in the country’s transformation agenda.
He concluded by seeking God’s blessings upon Uganda, President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, Gen. Saleh, Gen. Muhoozi, and the people of Uganda as he begins his new role.
He replaced former Minister of Local Government, Magyezi Raphael who has been dropped by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the latest reshuffle.
