“My PA System, My Patriotism”: Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Dismisses Criticism Over Using Personal Company Equipment on Nationwide Tours

Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has pushed back firmly against criticism over his use of a public address system owned by his private company during monitoring visits and anti-corruption rallies across the country.

Speaking to journalists at the end of a six-day “Expose the Corrupt” tour in the Ankole sub-region, the minister confirmed that the PA system belongs to his company but insisted it has been provided entirely free of charge to the government. He described the arrangement as an act of patriotism rather than a conflict of interest.

“I want to put this clear to all of you and I want you to quote it. The public address system that we use indeed belongs to my company, but I’ve offered free service because the crowds I’m getting cannot hear my voice without a public address system,” Barugahara said.

He explained that when he assumed office in late May 2026, the ministry had no budget line for the accountability rallies and field monitoring exercises he has since undertaken nationwide. “Our minister of local government hasn’t budgeted for any money. When I became a minister, the budget was already released. So there was no budget for accountability rallies. There’s no single budget. So what do we do? I have equipment and I’m a patriot — unless I’m a fake patriot. So I provide that system free of charge.”

Barugahara argued that public servants should be prepared to go the extra mile when resources are constrained. “Public servants should be willing to serve even when resources are limited,” he stated, framing his decision as a personal contribution to the fight against corruption and poor service delivery in local governments.

The minister’s hands-on style — characterised by unannounced inspections, public confrontations with underperforming officials, and large open-air rallies where citizens raise grievances — has drawn both praise and scrutiny since his appointment. Supporters credit him with bringing greater visibility to graft and inefficiency at the district and lower local government levels. Critics, however, have questioned the optics of a serving minister deploying equipment from a company he owns, even when no public funds are involved.

In his response, Barugahara directly addressed those concerns, naming some of his most vocal critics and accusing them of speaking without full knowledge of the facts. He noted that this is not the first time he has offered his resources in support of public causes.

The “Expose the Corrupt in Local Government” campaign has already led to the exposure of several irregularities, including alleged inflated contracts, use of substandard materials on public works, and officials who have fled after being confronted. During the Ankole tour, Barugahara was joined at one of the rallies in Mitooma by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who expressed support for the accountability drive.

Barugahara, a businessman and events promoter before entering full-time politics, owns interests in radio stations, events management, and related equipment. He maintains that the free provision of the PA system does not cost the taxpayer a single shilling and allows ordinary citizens to hear proceedings that would otherwise be inaudible in large crowds.

As the minister continues his countrywide monitoring visits, the debate over the use of private resources for public work is likely to persist. For now, Barugahara remains unapologetic: when government resources fall short, he says, patriotism requires stepping in.