Minister Balaam orders for arrest & interdiction of Mbarara Town Clerk, Officials Over Shs928m Loss

The Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has ordered the immediate interdiction of Mbarara City Town Clerk Justine Barekye and several senior officials over allegations of causing government losses exceeding Shs928 million through the mismanagement of property tax and irregular payments to a road contractor.

The directive was issued on Tuesday during the minister’s meeting with local leaders and stakeholders at Mbarara City Hall to assess government service delivery and address corruption allegations.

The affected officials include Deputy Town Clerk Simon Ejua, former City Engineer William Byaruhanga, Trade Officer Allan Karekye, Natural Resources Officer Niwagaba, the Community Development Officer, and several other officials. They have been directed to step aside to allow investigations by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.

Barugahara said preliminary investigations indicate that the officials are implicated in the alleged loss of Shs712 million through the mismanagement of property tax collections. He said investigations are at an advanced stage and are awaiting guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The minister also alleged that the town clerk irregularly authorised a payment of Shs216 million to a contractor for works on Conel Ndahendekire Road. According to him, the road project had initially been estimated to cost Shs1.59 billion, but the additional payment allegedly resulted in a further loss of Shs216 million to the government.

Barugahara further ordered the immediate interdiction of former Assistant Commercial Officer Donati Mutahi, accusing him of previously misappropriating Emyooga funds intended for beneficiaries. He alleged that Mutahi was prosecuted, entered a plea bargain, refunded the money and later returned to public service, where he was promoted to the position of Revenue Officer.

    “A person who has stolen development funds from the people should not come back to office. He should be interdicted immediately and face the law,” Barugahara said.

The minister also directed the interdiction of James Agaba, the Principal Commercial Officer currently serving in Fort Portal, alleging that he was implicated in the same Emyooga fund misappropriation case and similarly entered a plea bargain after agreeing to compensate the affected beneficiaries.

Barugahara criticised what he described as the recycling of public officers accused of corruption from one local government to another.

 “We can’t recycle a thief from here to another district. If someone has stolen public money, transferring them elsewhere does not change their conduct,” he said.

He also cited former Mbarara District Chief Administrative Officer David Muhwezi, who currently serves in the same position in Ntoroko District, alleging that he had previously been implicated in land-related disputes before being transferred. The minister said such transfers reflected weaknesses in accountability within the public service.

He warned that the government would not tolerate financial mismanagement and revealed that a forensic engineering audit had been ordered to establish the full extent of the alleged losses.

During his visit, Barugahara also inspected Katete Bridge, which was rehabilitated by the UPDF Engineering Brigade at a cost of Shs366 million.

He said he would engage the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) to institute a forensic audit into the bridge project, citing indications that the cost of the rehabilitation works may have been inflated.

The minister also ordered the arrest of former City Engineer William Byaruhanga, who supervised the temporary works on the bridge, to facilitate investigations.

However, Barugahara cleared Mbarara City Mayor Robert Kakyebezi of any wrongdoing, saying investigators had not found evidence linking him to the documents or transactions under investigation.

He said inquiries into the alleged financial mismanagement had so far not established the mayor’s involvement and that investigations would continue focusing on the officials directly implicated.

Mukula Hails Museveni’s Backing of Former Rival Otunnu for UN Top Job as “Leadership Rooted in Forgiveness”

Kampala — Captain Mike Mukula, the former National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, has warmly praised President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to endorse Ambassador Olara Otunnu as Uganda’s candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, describing it as a powerful act of statesmanship grounded in forgiveness, reconciliation and national unity.

In a statement released Tuesday, Mukula said the President’s support for the veteran diplomat and former opposition figure demonstrated “leadership rooted in forgiveness, reconciliation, and national unity.”

“Great nations are built when past differences give way to a shared future. Reconciliation reflects both Christian values and statesmanship,” Mukula said. “May God continue to bless and guide him with wisdom as Uganda pursues peace, cohesion, and prosperity for all.”

The remarks come a day after Museveni formally presented Otunnu to diplomats at State House, Entebbe, urging members of the UN Security Council and the international community to back the Ugandan nominee. Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda has been tasked with leading the lobbying effort abroad.

Otunnu, 75, is a seasoned diplomat with deep roots in Ugandan and international affairs. He served as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1980 to 1985, briefly as Foreign Minister in 1985–86, and later as UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict from 1997 to 2005. He also headed the International Peace Academy and contested the 2011 presidential election as the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) candidate, finishing a distant fourth.

The two men share a long and sometimes complex history. Both were students at Makerere University, and Otunnu later served in the short-lived governments that preceded Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA) takeover in 1986. For years they stood on opposite sides of Uganda’s political divide. Mukula’s statement frames the current endorsement as a deliberate closing of that chapter in favour of a larger national and continental interest.

Supporters of the nomination point to Otunnu’s extensive UN experience, his work on children in conflict, and Uganda’s own narrative of post-conflict recovery. Critics, including opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and human rights activists, have questioned the timing, arguing that domestic concerns over prolonged detentions and political freedoms undermine Uganda’s moral claim to lead the world body.

Mukula, a long-time NRM stalwart, former State Minister for Health and one-time personal pilot to Museveni, positioned the decision within a broader Christian and pan-African ethic of reconciliation. By publicly celebrating the move, the Eastern Region party leader added a prominent NRM voice to the government’s campaign to present Otunnu as a unifying figure capable of bridging Uganda’s past divisions on the global stage.

As the race to succeed António Guterres intensifies, Uganda’s nomination of a former opposition presidential candidate by the long-serving incumbent has already drawn regional and international attention. Whether the gesture of reconciliation celebrated by Mukula will translate into meaningful diplomatic momentum remains to be seen. For now, the statement underscores a rare moment of political convergence in a country more often defined by its enduring rivalries.

Masaka NRM Leaders Demand Museveni Sack Nameere Over ‘Belittling Buganda’

Masaka — A group of National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders from Greater Masaka have petitioned President Yoweri Museveni to remove State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere from cabinet, accusing her of repeatedly belittling Buganda and undermining the region’s cultural and political interests.

The appeal, which surfaced publicly on Monday, marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the outspoken minister and sections of the ruling party’s local leadership in a region long considered an opposition stronghold. Nameere, who also serves as Woman Member of Parliament for Masaka City, has drawn both praise and criticism for her confrontational style since her elevation to cabinet in May 2026.

According to local party figures, the leaders accuse Nameere of making remarks and taking positions that demean Buganda’s institutions, culture, and people. They claim her approach has strained relations within NRM structures in Masaka and risked alienating voters who remain sensitive to issues of regional identity and respect for the Kabaka and the Buganda Kingdom.

One circulating video clip shows an agitated NRM supporter in yellow party colours speaking passionately alongside other leaders, reflecting the depth of frustration among some grassroots cadres. The petition calls on Museveni to “contain” or outright sack the minister, arguing that her continued presence in government is damaging the party’s recovery efforts in the area.

Nameere has dismissed earlier similar complaints as products of jealousy over her rapid rise and close working relationship with the President. A former journalist and lawyer, she first gained national attention as a television host before entering elective politics. She won the Masaka City Woman MP seat after a contentious recount and was appointed State Minister for Local Government shortly afterwards — a move widely interpreted as a strong endorsement from Museveni.

The President has previously defended her publicly, describing her as “cantankerous” and “famous for quarrelling,” qualities he said made her useful in holding officials to account. In March 2026 he met NRM leaders in Masaka at a gathering organised by Nameere and praised her initiative while urging leaders to focus on service delivery rather than internal squabbles.

Yet frictions have persisted. Nameere has clashed with local officials and party colleagues on issues ranging from corruption allegations to election processes. In one recent incident captured on video, Minister Balaam Barugahara had to intervene when she was confronted on stage in Masaka during an anti-corruption-related engagement.

Greater Masaka remains politically sensitive territory for the NRM. The region has historically leaned towards the opposition, and the party has invested heavily in trying to expand its support base. Local leaders argue that Nameere’s style — while effective at mobilising some supporters — has instead deepened divisions and given ammunition to critics who claim the NRM does not respect Buganda.

As of Tuesday morning, State House had not issued an official response to the latest petition. Nameere herself had not publicly commented on the specific demand for her removal.

The development adds another layer of intrigue to Uganda’s ruling party dynamics ahead of the next political cycle. Museveni has repeatedly emphasised unity and delivery over internal fights, but the Masaka petition shows that personal and regional grievances continue to surface even among his own cadres.

Whether the President will act on the call remains unclear. What is certain is that Justine Nameere’s high-profile, no-holds-barred approach has made her both a polarising figure and a test case for how far the NRM is prepared to tolerate internal dissent in Buganda.

Mbale City Senior Public Relations Officer Kutosi Confirms: Kadodi Sculpture at Mbale’s Sleeping Baby Roundabout Cost Sh95m

Fellow members of Sironko Family and the wider public following the circulating story titled “Exposé: Sh98 Million Kadodi Sculpture at Mbale’s Sleeping Baby Roundabout Sparks Outrage Over Value for Money”,

I take this opportunity, once again, to address the concerns raised about the Kadodi cultural sculpture at the Sleeping Baby roundabout off Tororo Road in Mbale City.

The funding for the sculptures came from the United Nations Capital Development Fund through the Ministry of Local Government. It was allocated to three cities: Mbale, Gulu and Arua. The total cost for the Mbale installation was 95 million Uganda shillings (some reports have rounded it to 98 million).

The contract went through a proper procurement process. I served as the Focal Person for the project on behalf of Mbale City. Being the Focal Person does not mean the money was handed to me. The funds were paid directly to the contractor in accordance with the procurement and financial regulations.

I have already shared a few observations on this matter on the Bugisu Intellectual Forum. For the record and for the benefit of this group, I restate them here:

The project was part of a broader urban beautification and cultural promotion initiative under the UNCDF support.

The sculpture was intended to celebrate the Kadodi heritage and give the roundabout a distinctive identity that reflects our Bugisu culture.

All processes, from design to installation, followed the approved procurement guidelines.

I appreciate the public interest and the questions about value for money. Accountability is important, and I remain open to any further clarification that may be required through the proper channels.

Let us continue the conversation constructively.

James Kutosi

Senior Public Relations Officer, Mbale City

What You Need To Know: 

Exposé: Sh98 Million Kadodi Sculpture at Mbale’s Sleeping Baby Roundabout Sparks Outrage Over Value for Money

MBALE — A Kadodi cultural sculpture installed at the Sleeping Baby roundabout off Tororo Road in Mbale City has ignited sharp public criticism after reports emerged that the project cost 98 million Ugandan shillings under the supervision of the city’s Senior Public Relations Officer, Mr. James Kutosi.

The sculpture, depicting elements of the traditional Bagisu Kadodi dance, was intended as a cultural landmark and tourist attraction celebrating the heritage of the Bamasaba people. Kadodi is a vibrant drumming and dance performance closely tied to the Imbalu circumcision ceremonies that define much of the region’s cultural identity. Similar installations have appeared at other roundabouts in the city as part of efforts to brand Mbale as a cultural destination.

According to information circulating widely on social media and local online platforms, the sculpture at the Sleeping Baby roundabout carried a price tag of Sh98 million. The figure has drawn immediate skepticism from residents, civil society voices, and online commentators who question whether the expenditure represents value for public funds.

Critics have pointed to the relatively modest scale of the installation and asked how such a sum was justified. Many have called for full disclosure of the procurement process, the identity of the contractor or artists involved, the breakdown of costs (materials, labour, transport, installation, and any related fees), and the technical specifications approved by city authorities. Some residents have described the amount as excessive for a single roadside sculpture, especially in a city facing competing demands for road maintenance, drainage, street lighting, and basic services.

Mr. James Kutosi, Mbale City’s Senior Public Relations Officer, is named in circulating reports as the official who supervised the project. Kutosi has previously spoken publicly on city matters, including revenue collection, recruitment exercises, and infrastructure concerns. At the time of writing, no detailed official statement from the Mbale City leadership or from Kutosi specifically addressing the Sh98 million figure, the procurement process, or the final audit of the sculpture project had been widely published.

The controversy touches on broader concerns about transparency in local government spending. Uganda’s Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) guidelines require competitive bidding, clear documentation, and value-for-money assessments for public projects. Residents and accountability advocates have urged the city to release the relevant tender documents, evaluation reports, and completion certificates so the public can assess whether proper procedures were followed.

Local voices on social media have mixed cultural pride with fiscal caution. While many welcome visible symbols of Bagisu identity in public spaces, they insist that cultural projects should not become vehicles for inflated costs. “We love our Kadodi and we want to see our culture celebrated,” one resident posted, “but 98 million for one sculpture needs explanation. Show us the receipts.”

The Sleeping Baby roundabout itself is a notable landmark on the Tororo Road corridor, a busy approach into Mbale. The decision to site a Kadodi sculpture there was presumably aimed at giving visitors an immediate cultural impression of the city. Whether the final product justifies the reported cost remains the central question now confronting city officials.

As pressure mounts, calls for an independent review or audit of the expenditure are growing. City authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive public accounting of the project. Until they do, the Sh98 million Kadodi sculpture risks becoming a symbol not of cultural celebration, but of unresolved questions about how public money is spent in Mbale City.

PROFILE : WHO IS MOSES WAMBOGO ?

Moses Wambogo is a Ugandan National, Civil Servant in the government of the republic of Uganda, Former Commissioner in the office of the President, Businessman and seasoned politician. He is the current Mbale District National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairman.

Wambogo who hails from the Elgon region, in the Eastern part of Uganda is in mid 30s, and runs several businesses across the country under his company; Wambogo Technical services & Group of Companies, where he is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Wambogo comes from a prominent family of the late James Wapakhabulo Wambogo, the former Uganda’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Second Deputy Prime Minister and former Speaker of Parliament, the National assembly.

In early days, Wambogo went to schools in Mbale for his primary and secondary. He later went to Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) for his University education before joining businesses and government.

Wambogo is the chairman of lower central zone, under Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) Board, one of the outstanding cooperatives in the country. He is also a member of the executive committee of the Masaba cooperative Union (MCU) in Mbale.

Hon. Godfrey Wakooli Matembu Hails Supporters: Here Is The Heartfelt Appreciation from Bugisu Parliamentary Committee

Your Excellency, On behalf of the people of Bugisu and the Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus, allow me to express our deepest gratitude for honouring our rich cultural heritage through your representative. We sincerely thank you for accepting to send the message of Your Excellency to the Bamasaba people. It was a powerful demonstration of your love, respect, and commitment to our people.

We also thank the Rt. Hon. Speaker for graciously accepting to deliver Your Excellency's message.

Your presence reaffirmed that the Bamasaba remain an important part of the Ugandan family. We are truly grateful for your continued affection and support.

Your Excellency, we humbly apologize for the unfortunate events that unfolded during the ceremony. What happened was never intentional and was not directed at our distinguished guests. The programme extended beyond the scheduled time, and by the time the imbalu candidates approached the moment of facing the knife, our cultural customs had taken over.

In Bamasaba tradition, once that sacred moment arrives—typically around 2:00 p.m.—the candidates enter a state of complete commitment to the ritual. At that point, no one can stand in their way. To those unfamiliar with our culture, their actions may appear aggressive, but they are not acts of violence or disrespect. It is a deeply rooted cultural practice that has similarly surprised other distinguished guests in previous circumcision seasons.

The Bamasaba are a peaceful, hospitable, and welcoming people. As the African proverb says, "A river does not forget its source." Our culture is our source, and while we cherish it, we equally cherish and respect our national leaders and all our visitors.

We have learnt valuable lessons from this year's experience. Going forward, the organisers have resolved that all official speeches shall conclude by 12:00 noon to allow our guests ample time to witness the colourful cultural celebrations without any discomfort or misunderstanding.

Your Excellency, we regret that the circumstances prevented many from fully receiving your important message. Please accept our sincere apology and our assurance that the incident does not reflect the character or intentions of the Bamasaba people.

Thank you once again for your unwavering love, support, and leadership. May God continue to bless you and bless our motherland Uganda.

Hon Wakooli Godfrey Matembu.

Mp Butiru county, Manafwa District

Chairperson Bugisu parliamebtary caucus

Exposé: Sh98 Million Kadodi Sculpture at Mbale’s Sleeping Baby Roundabout Sparks Outrage Over Value for Money

MBALE — A Kadodi cultural sculpture installed at the Sleeping Baby roundabout off Tororo Road in Mbale City has ignited sharp public criticism after reports emerged that the project cost 98 million Ugandan shillings under the supervision of the city’s Senior Public Relations Officer, Mr. James Kutosi.

The sculpture, depicting elements of the traditional Bagisu Kadodi dance, was intended as a cultural landmark and tourist attraction celebrating the heritage of the Bamasaba people. Kadodi is a vibrant drumming and dance performance closely tied to the Imbalu circumcision ceremonies that define much of the region’s cultural identity. Similar installations have appeared at other roundabouts in the city as part of efforts to brand Mbale as a cultural destination.

According to information circulating widely on social media and local online platforms, the sculpture at the Sleeping Baby roundabout carried a price tag of Sh98 million. The figure has drawn immediate skepticism from residents, civil society voices, and online commentators who question whether the expenditure represents value for public funds.

Critics have pointed to the relatively modest scale of the installation and asked how such a sum was justified. Many have called for full disclosure of the procurement process, the identity of the contractor or artists involved, the breakdown of costs (materials, labour, transport, installation, and any related fees), and the technical specifications approved by city authorities. Some residents have described the amount as excessive for a single roadside sculpture, especially in a city facing competing demands for road maintenance, drainage, street lighting, and basic services.

Mr. James Kutosi, Mbale City’s Senior Public Relations Officer, is named in circulating reports as the official who supervised the project. Kutosi has previously spoken publicly on city matters, including revenue collection, recruitment exercises, and infrastructure concerns. At the time of writing, no detailed official statement from the Mbale City leadership or from Kutosi specifically addressing the Sh98 million figure, the procurement process, or the final audit of the sculpture project had been widely published.

The controversy touches on broader concerns about transparency in local government spending. Uganda’s Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) guidelines require competitive bidding, clear documentation, and value-for-money assessments for public projects. Residents and accountability advocates have urged the city to release the relevant tender documents, evaluation reports, and completion certificates so the public can assess whether proper procedures were followed.

Local voices on social media have mixed cultural pride with fiscal caution. While many welcome visible symbols of Bagisu identity in public spaces, they insist that cultural projects should not become vehicles for inflated costs. “We love our Kadodi and we want to see our culture celebrated,” one resident posted, “but 98 million for one sculpture needs explanation. Show us the receipts.”

The Sleeping Baby roundabout itself is a notable landmark on the Tororo Road corridor, a busy approach into Mbale. The decision to site a Kadodi sculpture there was presumably aimed at giving visitors an immediate cultural impression of the city. Whether the final product justifies the reported cost remains the central question now confronting city officials.

As pressure mounts, calls for an independent review or audit of the expenditure are growing. City authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive public accounting of the project. Until they do, the Sh98 million Kadodi sculpture risks becoming a symbol not of cultural celebration, but of unresolved questions about how public money is spent in Mbale City.