Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has called for legal action against all individuals involved in the creation of ghost health workers and students, warning that corruption in local governments will no longer be tolerated.
The minister made the call after an unannounced inspection at Busiu Health Centre IV in Mbale District in the wee hours of Thursday, where five alleged ghost workers were reportedly found on the Government payroll despite not working at the facility.
The inspection, conducted at around 3:00 a.m., involved the Regional Internal Security Organisation (RISO), the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, representatives from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) for Mbale, and other security officials.
According to Barugahara, the five health workers had reportedly been receiving government salaries since July 2025 despite not being present at the health facility.
The discovery brings to 10 the number of alleged ghost workers uncovered during inspections at only two health centres in Mbale District.
Barugahara questioned who had been benefiting from the salaries intended for the absent workers, describing the situation as a serious form of corruption that undermines public service delivery.
He said it was unacceptable for corrupt individuals to siphon public resources while the available health workers remain overwhelmed by the large number of patients seeking medical services.
“Every shilling stolen from the public is a shilling taken away from essential services for our people,” Barugahara said.
The minister said the inspections would continue without prior notice, adding that all individuals found to have participated in the creation and maintenance of ghost workers would be held accountable.
He also warned against similar practices in the education sector, where ghost students are allegedly created to facilitate the theft of public funds.
Minister Barugahara urged corrupt officials in local governments to repent and change their ways, saying the Government would pursue a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in line with President Yoweri Museveni’s directive.
“Those involved in the creation of ghost health workers in hospitals and ghost students in our local schools must face the law,” he said.
