At least 26 local government officials across the Ankole sub-region are facing interdiction over alleged corruption and the misuse of public funds following directives from the Minister for Local Government, Mr Balaam Barugahara.
The affected personnel are drawn from the districts of Isingiro, Buhweju, Mitooma, and Mbarara City. Their interdiction follows recommendations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) to the Ministry of Local Government’s Permanent Secretary to pave the way for impartial investigations into suspected high-level graft, financial mismanagement, and administrative lapses.
Speaking about the development, Mr Barugahara emphasized that the temporary suspensions are meant to protect the integrity of the ongoing probes without interference.
‘These interdictions are intended to allow investigations to proceed independently and without interference. The individuals listed are suspects, not convicted persons, and the investigations should establish the facts while ensuring that due process is fully observed,’ Mr Barugahara said.
He added that the government remains firm in its campaign to safeguard public resources and improve service delivery for all Ugandans.
The regional enforcement drive hit Mitooma District on August 8, where the Minister convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the district council hall to address growing public complaints regarding service delivery and accountability.
In response to the directives, Mitooma District Local Government Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr Masereka Amis Asuman, formally submitted a list of eight interdicted staff to the Permanent Secretary on August 8.
In his official letter, Mr Masereka confirmed that the staff members have been suspended for six months in compliance with Section (F-s) (14) of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021.
Those interdicted in Mitooma include the District Health Officer, Dr Sadic Byamugisha; District Education Officer, Ms Barungi Peace Gloria; Civil Engineer (Water), Eng Godfrey Tumusiime; Senior Environment Officer, Mr Godwin Kagumire; Senior Assistant Secretary, Mr Vincent Rugamba; Driver, Mr Godfrey Mugumya; Medical Officer, Dr Patrick Oloya; and Senior Engineer/Acting District Engineer, Mr John Baptist Tumwebaze.
Under Section (F-s) (14) of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021, an interdicted officer is temporarily relieved of their duties to facilitate unhindered investigations into gross misconduct or criminal allegations. During the six-month suspension, affected officers receive half of their basic monthly salary, are barred from visiting work premises without authorization, and cannot travel outside the country or designated jurisdiction without explicit prior permission from a competent authority.
The crackdown extends across the wider Ankole sub-region. In Isingiro District, eight key officials face interdiction, including the Chief Administrative Officer over missing road funds, alongside heads of natural resources, procurement, finance, commercial, and engineering departments.
In Buhweju District, 11 officials-including the Deputy CAO, District Production Officer, District Health Officer, and the Town Clerk of Nsika Town Council-are under investigation over alleged corruption, administrative misconduct, and lack of requisite academic qualifications. Furthermore, the Minister has requested formal security probes into Buhweju top officials regarding the alleged mismanagement of Shs5 billion intended for district road maintenance.
In Mbarara City, nine officials have been named for investigation, including the Town Clerk, City Engineer, Finance Officer, Procurement Officer, and City Health Officer over mismanaged urban resources and controversial infrastructure projects.
The actions in Ankole form part of a broader, high-profile anti-corruption sweep conducted across the country by Mr Barugahara and his assistant, Ms Justine Nameere. The ongoing nationwide inspection tours targeting ghost workers, substandard infrastructure, and financial leakages have previously led to arrests and administrative sanctions in the Bugisu sub-region, including Mbale, Bulambuli, and Namisindwa districts.