The Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has ordered the interdiction of over 200 local government officials across the six districts of the Kigezi sub-region over allegations of corruption, nepotism, abuse of office, mismanagement of public funds and poor service delivery.
The directives were issued during a six-day visit to the region as part of the minister’s nationwide anti-corruption campaign, dubbed “Expose the Corrupt”, during which he inspected government projects, questioned public expenditure and raised concerns about alleged irregularities in local government operations.
Minister Barugahara launched the campaign in Rukiga District last Thursday, where he ordered the interdiction of 16 officials over alleged financial irregularities and poor service delivery.
The officials included Principal Human Resource Officer Nicholas Kananura, Chief Finance Officer Bruce Turyamushangayo, District Education Officer Christopher Ndyabegyera, District Water Engineer Evans Bangirana, District Engineer Deogratias Mbabazi and District Fisheries Officer Richard Sajabi, among others.
Rukiga District
During his visit, Barugahara questioned the expenditure and quality of work on several projects implemented by the district local government.
He raised concerns over the procurement of 90 chairs for the district council at Shs950,000 each during the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. The chairs were reportedly supplied by Paul Kangwegye Company Limited, based in Kabale Municipality.
The minister questioned why the chairs were purchased at Shs950,000 each against a reported budget allocation of Shs995,000, raising concerns about the procurement process and the value for money.
He also accused the district works department of mismanaging Shs120 million released during the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year for the rehabilitation of the Nyakanengo-Nyakasiru road.
According to the minister, only grading had been carried out, while other planned works, including spot grading, gravelling and drainage, had not been completed.
Barugahara further questioned the expenditure of Shs110 million released for the rehabilitation of the five-kilometre Bukinda-Rwakijuma road during the same financial year, saying only grading had been done without adding marrum.
He also raised concerns over Shs165 million released for the rehabilitation of the eight-kilometre Nyaruhanga-Kahama road, which he said remained narrow and lacked marrum, raising fears that it could be washed away during heavy rains.
The minister also questioned the quality of work on Kangondo Bridge, which he said had developed what he described as “man-made falls”.
He said the bridge was initially expected to cost Shs100 million, but the engineer reportedly indicated that Shs80 million had been spent, prompting questions about the actual expenditure and value for money.
Barugahara also raised concerns over the construction of Bukinda Sub-county headquarters in Karubanda Village, Nyakasiru Parish. The project, which began during the 2020/2021 financial year, was reportedly budgeted at Shs240 million for the first phase.
However, the minister said only Shs100 million had been released for the completed works, leaving a reported balance of Shs142 million. He directed that the outstanding amount should not be released pending further scrutiny.
He also questioned the construction of a three-storey building at St Paul’s Secondary School Bukinda, which began during the 2023/2024 financial year but was reportedly abandoned at the foundation stage in 2024.
The contractor, GESIS Construction Limited, reportedly received Shs500 million for the first phase, while the engineer indicated that only Shs471 million had been utilised. Barugahara questioned whether the expenditure had delivered value for money.
On education, the minister expressed concern over reports that Primary Seven, Senior Four and Senior Six candidates were being charged Shs30,000 for Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) registration and Shs165,000 for Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) registration, despite the government covering the examination fees.
He directed that the District Education Officer and the Inspector of Schools be investigated over the alleged charges.
Barugahara also said the district had received excess capitation grants amounting to Shs112 million due to allegedly inflated school enrolment figures.
He questioned the procurement of 1,269 iron sheets at Shs89,000 each using the funds, saying the price was allegedly above the prevailing market rate. He directed that the District Education Officer and other officials implicated in the transaction be arrested.
The minister further raised concerns about alleged irregular recruitment and promotions by the District Service Commission.
Among the cases he cited was the recruitment of District Staff Surveyor Catherine Mutetsi and Education Officer Davis Twinomuhwezi, as well as the appointment of Jane Akatukwatsa Magigore as a headteacher despite reportedly having retired from service.
He also questioned the qualifications of a town engineer described as a brother to the Chief Administrative Officer, whose credentials were reportedly still under scrutiny by the District Service Commission.
The minister further questioned the recruitment of Chief Finance Officer Bruce Turyamushangayo, whom he alleged had not served the required number of years to qualify for the position, and the promotion of Agriculture Officer Innocent Arinaitwe to a senior position without the required qualifications.
Barugahara also directed the Chief Administrative Officer and District LC5 Chairperson Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda to ensure that all district land was titled to prevent encroachment and alleged land grabbing.
He cited four acres of untitled communal government land in Konyo Village, where a resident, David Rwaburekure, reportedly fenced off the land in 2023 while claiming ownership.
Kabale District
On Friday, Barugahara proceeded to Kabale District, where he ordered the interdiction of 41 officials from the district local government and Kabale Municipality.
Among those named were former Chief Administrative Officer John Asiimwe, Chief Finance Officer Amon Akampumuza, District Education Officer Moses Tumwijukye Bwengye, Natural Resources Officer Henry Tumwesigye and Principal Human Resource Officer Jacenta Tushabomwe.
Others included Senior ICT Officer Tobias Habaasa, District Engineer Januario Bagamuhunda, Senior Human Resource Officer Bright Akampurira, Procurement Officer Alex Turinawe, Assistant Water Engineer Barham Akanyijuka and District Biostatistician Benon Kwitonda.
The list also included Senior Assistant Mechanical Engineer Jude Tusiime, Senior Assistant Secretary and Clerk to Council Loyce Asiimwe, Conservation Officer Grace Aheise, District Accountant Adison Fat Biryomumeisho, former Buranga Primary School teacher Phionah Orishaba and Inspector of Schools Drake Kisheija.
Other officials named were Parish Chief and Works Department office attendant Gergina Karungi, Assistant Secretary Edith Tukamushaba, Senior Assistant Secretary at Katuna Town Council Enos Akandinda, Acting Senior Accountant Collins Ainembabazi and Internal Auditor Denis Maviri.
Also affected were District Senior Forestry Officer Benjamin Ariyo, Principal Town Agent at Katuna Barbara Atuheire, Acting Assistant Town Clerk Kevin Ainebyoona, Forestry Officer Boaz Niwarimpa, Inspector of Schools Turinawe C., Senior Assistant at Kibuga Town Council Milton Rwamastone and Principal Inspector of Schools Wilberforce Nabaasa.
The remaining district officials named included Staff Surveyor Prosper Ahimbisibwe, Environmental Officer Allan Akampurira, District Production Officer Beda Mwebesa, Principal Agricultural Officer Deus Baguma, District Agricultural Engineer Paulino Ndyabanoha, Senior Engineer Levi Turyahikayo and Rubaya Sub-county Chief Ivan Mugayehwenki.
From Kabale Municipality, the officials named included former Town Clerk Jamail Kasajja, who has since been transferred to Kasese, Deputy Town Clerk Sunday Eric, Northern Division Assistant Town Clerk Hilder Kashemeire, Assistant Town Engineering Officer Vincent Ahimbisibwe and Senior Internal Auditor Mwesigwa Kabweno.
The exercise came amid concerns about the absence of several staff members and heads of departments who reportedly failed to attend the meeting despite being invited by Kabale District Chief Administrative Officer Robert Mugabe.
Barugahara directed District LC5 Chairperson Denis Ndyomugyenyi Nzeirwe and Mugabe to ensure that the affected officials appear before the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to record statements.
Rubanda District
In Rubanda District, the minister ordered the interdiction of 16 officials over alleged financial irregularities and poor service delivery.
Those named included District Education Officer Francis Serununi, District Engineer John Habimana, District Procurement Officer Medard Katabaazi, District Agricultural Officer Ronald Mwebesa Mugumya, former District Engineer Denis Twesigomwe and Human Resource Officer Pamela Kanyesigye, among others.
Presenting his findings, Barugahara alleged that in September 2024, the district Chief Administrative Officer paid Kosovo Construction and Supplies Company Limited Shs50 million under LOP 853 for the supply of marrum for the Kashasha-Ihunga road, although the project had reportedly already been funded by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC).
He said the marrum was never supplied, raising questions about the expenditure.
The current Chief Administrative Officer, Samuel Ahabwe, distanced himself from the transaction, saying he had not yet been deployed to the district when the payment was made. He referred the matter to the district internal auditor for further scrutiny.
Barugahara also questioned the whereabouts of Shs700,000 released for fuel under LOP 850 during the same period for the road project, which he said had already been fully funded by IFDC.
The minister further raised concerns over Shs67 million allegedly received by District Agricultural Officer Ronald Mwebesa Mugumya during the 2024/2025 financial year for activities that were reportedly not implemented.
He said that on December 8, 2025, Ahabwe directed Mwebesa to account for the funds, but the officer allegedly declined, prompting an internal audit by Osbert Arinda to establish how the money had been spent.
According to Barugahara, the audit established alleged wasteful expenditure of Shs24 million on fuel for work that had not been done, as well as the use of an unauthorised personalised vehicle that consumed fuel worth Shs4.4 million.
The minister also alleged that Mwebesa used receipts purportedly obtained from Voice of Kigezi and Volcano Hotel in Rubanda Town Council. The receipts were still undergoing verification at the time of the minister’s visit.
He added that Mwebesa had allegedly absconded from duty and declined summons to account for the funds.
Barugahara also ordered the arrest of former District Engineer Denis Twesigomwe over alleged shoddy work and possible misuse of public funds in the construction of the Shs85 million Bugiri Crossing Bridge in Kakore Parish, Hamurwa Sub-county.
The minister questioned the quality and durability of the bridge, warning that it could be washed away during heavy rains.
He pointed to cracks in the concrete, poorly bonded stones and soil that had accumulated along the bridge’s water channel, raising concerns about the materials used and the quality of workmanship.
Barugahara questioned whether the project had delivered value for money, given the Shs85 million allocated for its construction. He also challenged the reported need for an additional Shs100 million to work on the three-kilometre Kakore-Bugiri road, describing the proposed expenditure as questionable.
The bridge connects Bugiri Primary School, Kakore Rugambwa Catholic Parish, Karukara Market and surrounding communities. It is expected to improve access to essential services and support social and economic activities in the area.
Twesigomwe has also been accused of overseeing shoddy work on Nfasha Bridge in Bufundi Sub-county.
In 2023, he was arrested alongside other regional officials by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit over allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement and causing financial loss in connection with construction projects, including Mpungu Health Centre III. He was later released on police bond.
Kisoro District
In Kisoro District, Barugahara ordered the interdiction of 29 officials from the district local government and Kisoro Municipality over alleged corruption and other irregularities.
Those named included Chief Administrative Officer John Nyakahuma, District Engineer James Karamira, District Production Officer Richard Habumugisha, Internal Auditor Gabriel Nkuru, District Education Officer Emmanuel Mwunvaneza and Inspector of Schools Emmanuel Mbonyebyombi.
Others included District Agricultural Officer Harriet Mutuzo, Principal Human Resource Officer Beatrace Komugisha, Senior Human Resource Officer Patience Allan, Veterinary Officer Herbert Ngabo Bubasha, Senior Procurement Officer Magret Nyiramutuzo, District Surveyor Joseph Tumushime and District Chief Finance Officer Benon Rutungana.
Also affected were Service Commission Secretary Francesca Rwakare, District Communications Officer Imelda Mukeshimana, District Physical Planner Winfred Nyirakubanza and Acting Secretary for Lands Annet Ninsima.
Parish chiefs, sub-county chiefs, teachers and a headteacher were also reportedly among those affected.
In Kisoro Municipality, the officials named included Town Clerk Richard Mugisha, Municipal Physical Planner Kenneth Mbabazi, Municipal Engineer Aloysius Semahoro and Municipal Education Officer Emmanuel Mugyema Sabiti.
Barugahara also ordered the interdiction and immediate arrest of Kisoro District Parish Development Model (PDM) focal person Herbert Ngabo Bubasha over allegations that he had failed to account for funds disbursed to beneficiaries under the programme.
He further ordered the arrest of former Kisoro Municipality Northern Division mayor Michael Bazamanza and former Central Division chairperson Ramathan Ndikuyeze over allegations involving Shs70 million in Emyooga SACCO funds.
John Mfitumukiza, the Kisoro District councillor representing Nyarusiza Sub-county, was also reportedly arrested over allegations of selling government jobs.
Kanungu District
In Kanungu District, the minister ordered the interdiction of 49 officials over allegations of corruption, abuse of office and poor service delivery.
Those named included Deputy Resident District Commissioner Gad Ahimbisibwe Rugaju, Chief Administrative Officer Awuye Abdallah, District Education Officer Shaban Adam, former District Engineer Eric Mutumba, District Production Officer Godwin Nkwasibwe and Inspector of Schools Erasmus Tuyishime.
Others were Kihihi Town Council Town Clerk Ahumuza Allen, Rutenga Sub-county Community Development Officer Pamela Kankimusimire, Senior Procurement Officer Elisa Mukuni, Senior Health Educator Simon Nsimamukama, Dr Benon Musasizi of Kanungu Health Centre IV, Kigubu Sulaiman and an ambulance driver, among others.
Barugahara said the officials had allegedly failed to execute their duties, contributing to poor service delivery, unhygienic conditions in health facilities and delays in the promotion of health workers who had served for several years.
The minister said the interdictions were intended to facilitate investigations into the allegations and address concerns raised by residents about the performance of government institutions.
Rukungiri District and Municipality
In Rukungiri, Barugahara ordered the interdiction of 64 local government officials from Rukungiri District and Rukungiri Municipality.
Among those named was Resident District Commissioner Bron Kikanshemeza, who was arrested during the minister’s visit.
Nyakishenyi Sub-county LC3 Chairperson Wednesday Twinomujuni was also ordered arrested over allegations of selling association vehicles and land and mismanaging funds.
The minister also raised concerns about alleged financial irregularities involving members of the Rukungiri District Service Commission, led by chairperson Canon Yosia Twirire, and the commission’s secretary.
He further questioned the alleged mismanagement of funds in headteachers’ associations and SACCOs.
The district officials named in the interdiction directive included District Water Engineer Deus Twekwase, Senior Procurement Officer Godwin Murekyezi, District Education Officer Jackson Turyahumura, District Commercial Officer Grace Tayebwa, District Internal Auditor Sarah Aine, District Principal Inspector of Schools Peace Atamba, District Engineer Julius Bagyira, Civil Engineer Alex Karamuzi, Senior Lands Officer Martin Agaba and Senior Internal Auditor Amon Atuheire.
Others were former Chief Administrative Officer Hajji Swalihk Wasswa Masokoyi, Senior Internal Auditor Amon Ahurira, Commercial Officer Michael Kamugabirwe, Kebisoni Town Council Treasurer Flankline Twinomujuni, Eastern Division Town Clerk Evas Kyobutungi, Buyanja Town Council Clerk Nicholas Kahumuza and Chief Finance Officer Jorum Asiimwe.
The list also included former Town Clerk Prosper Tagobya, now serving in Masaka City, and former Town Clerk and Treasurer Loy Biboona, now serving in Ntungamo District.
Other officials named were District Forestry Officer Arthur Twinomujuni, Senior Assistant Secretary Prosper Byarugaba, District Population Officer Amos Gumisiriza, Kebisoni accounts assistant Noah Mutesasira, Nyakagyeme Sub-county accounts assistant Robert Mugabe and Buhunga Health Centre III accounts assistant Agnes Atwine.
Also named were Buhunga Sub-county Senior Accounts Assistant Wilson Musiimenta, Kebisoni Senior Accounts Assistant Geoffrey Twinomwe, Bugangari Sub-county accounts assistant Boaz Musingunzi, District Senior Environmental Officer Caroline Mbabazi, Buyanja Town Council Human Resource Officer Andrew Arinda, Buyanja Town Council Community Development Officer Arthur Muhanguzi and Buyanja Assistant Agricultural Officer Jennifer Kyasimire.
The remaining officials listed included Senior Assistant Treasurer Wilberforce Kansiime, District Salary Accounts Officer Isaac Akasinguzi, District Civil Engineer Emmie Tukashaba, District Internal Auditor Wilber Ahimbisibwe, Buhunga Health Centre III health officer Babisha Kasigazi, Kebisoni Integrated Primary School headteacher Musasizi Herbert, Bucence Primary School headteacher Julius Barigye, Kyaburere Primary School headteacher Edward Tukamukunda and Rukungiri Health Centre IV Clinical Officer Hillary Arinda.
Others were Cold Chain Assistant at Kebisoni Health Centre IV Henry Twesigye, Burombe Parish Chief Derrick Kabakoriyo, Nyakashenyi Parish Chief John Bosco Gumoshabe, Bikongozo Parish Chief Timothy Byoona, Parish Chief Elias Agaba Kazahe, Parish Chief Kenneth Turyagyenda, Ndere Parish Chief Arthur Nimusiima and Kasoroza Primary School headteacher Emmanuel Musinguzi.
In Rukungiri Municipality, the officials named included Municipal Education Officer Robert Agume, Municipal Engineer Merynah Kekiijo, Revenue Officer Alex Karugaba, Municipal Inspector of Schools Julius Musiimenta, former Town Clerk Robert Niwamanya, Municipal Town Clerk Isaiah Tumwesigye, Municipal Roads Inspector Devis Ahimbisibwe, Assistant Town Clerk Rachel Natuhurira, Municipal Labour Officer Andrew Mwongyera and Senior Human Resource Officer Cosma Mugamba.
The minister later directed that Southern Division Town Clerk Clara Aheebwa and Kangunga Seed Secondary School headteacher Amos Gumisiriza be added to the list.
He also directed that parish chiefs accused of collecting money from beneficiaries be arrested and removed from their positions.
Barugahara instructed the Chief Administrative Officer to ensure that positions held by officials found to be consistently absent or neglectful were advertised to allow other qualified and willing candidates to take up the jobs.
Government promises action
Throughout the campaign, Barugahara said the allegations against the affected officials would be investigated and appropriate disciplinary or legal action taken against those found culpable.
He said the government was responding to persistent complaints about corruption, nepotism, misuse of public funds and poor service delivery across local governments.
The minister warned that officials found responsible for wrongdoing would be held accountable in accordance with the law.
