Corrupt Officials Reportedly Hiring Rainmakers to Disrupt Balaam Barugahara Monitoring Visits in Bugisu

KAMPALA, Uganda — As Uganda’s anti-corruption drive gathers momentum in the Bugisu sub-region, an extraordinary allegation has emerged from the Bugisu Cultural Institution, which claims that some public officials under scrutiny are allegedly turning to traditional rainmakers in an attempt to derail the government’s ongoing accountability inspections.

The allegation, made by the institution’s spokesperson, Steven Masiga Bukuka, comes as the Minister of State for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, continues a series of inspections into government-funded projects across Bugisu. The exercise has already resulted in arrests, investigations and heightened scrutiny of district officials accused of mismanaging public funds.

According to Masiga, intelligence reaching the cultural institution suggests that some civil servants, reportedly worried about the outcome of the inspections, have begun seeking supernatural intervention instead of preparing to answer questions about the use of public resources.

“I have received cultural intelligence that some civil servants in Namisindwa and Bududa are looking for experienced rainmakers to disrupt the monitoring exercise,” Masiga said.

He further alleged that those behind the scheme were prepared to spend substantial sums of money in an effort to trigger prolonged downpours, flooding and landslides—weather events that have historically devastated communities in the mountainous Bugisu region, particularly Bududa, where deadly landslides have repeatedly claimed lives and displaced thousands.

While no evidence was immediately presented to substantiate the claims, the remarks reflect the deep intersection of traditional beliefs and modern politics that still influences parts of rural Uganda.

The allegations surfaced as Barugahara presses ahead with inspections aimed at determining whether taxpayers’ money allocated for roads and other public infrastructure was properly spent. During previous visits, the minister has ordered investigations into several projects and referred suspected cases of financial mismanagement to investigative agencies.

Masiga said the Bugisu Cultural Institution believes the minister has approached the assignment professionally, combining oversight with guidance for local officials while ensuring suspected abuse of public funds is handled through the appropriate legal channels.

“On behalf of His Highness the Umukuka and the entire cabinet of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, we commend Hon. Balaam for his work. He first briefed His Highness about his mission in Bugisu, and both Hon. Namere and Hon. Balaam have worked well with the institution,” Masiga said.

The spokesperson also cautioned the minister against individuals who may seek to undermine the monitoring exercise through internal conflicts or deliberate attempts to create mistrust among government staff.

He appealed to residents across the Bugisu sub-region to cooperate with the inspection teams, arguing that public oversight is essential if government programmes are to deliver meaningful results.

“We encourage our people to welcome Hon. Balaam and support his work. The cultural institution remains available to offer guidance where necessary,” he said.

Masiga also singled out Hon. Justine Nameere for praise, describing her as a humble and accessible public servant whose conduct has earned respect from leaders throughout the region.

The Bugisu Cultural Institution reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside government agencies during the inspections, while urging individuals to refrain from intimidating visiting officials or obstructing programmes intended to promote transparency and accountability.

The claims about rainmakers have not been independently verified, and no officials from the districts mentioned had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.

It should be remembered that Museveni Ministers were forced to walk for 3km after their cars got stuck on a road that cost a lot of money, as reported Here.

Meanwhile, Museveni has beefed up Minister Balaam Barugahara’s security as crackdown against local government corruption intensifies, as reported Here.