Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara’s anti-corruption tour of the Kigezi sub-region has placed district and municipal administrations under intense scrutiny, triggering investigations, arrests, interdiction orders and directives aimed at protecting public resources and improving accountability.
The tour, which covered Rukiga, Kabale, Rubanda and Kisoro between October 22 and 25, 2026, brought allegations of ghost workers, irregular recruitment, questionable procurement, shoddy public works and mismanagement of government funds to the forefront.
The investigations have involved dozens of serving and former public officials, with 41 officials from Kabale District Local Government and Kabale Municipality referred for investigation, 29 officials in Kisoro ordered to step aside, and 16 officials in Rubanda referred to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. In Rukiga, six district employees and a former sub-county chairperson were targeted for arrest.
The cases involve different administrative actions: referral for investigation, interdiction and arrest.
Kabale: 41 Officials Named in Corruption Probe
Barugahara referred 41 officials from Kabale District Local Government and Kabale Municipality to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation over allegations of corruption, nepotism, abuse of office and mismanagement of public funds.
The list comprises 36 district officials and five municipal officials, including serving and former employees.
Among the district officials named are 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 Tushabomwe Jacenta.
Others include Senior ICT Officer Tobias Habaasa, District Engineer Januario Bagamuhunda, Senior Human Resource Officer Bright Akampurira, Procurement Officer Alex Turinawe, Assistant Water Engineer Barham Akanyijuka, District Biostatistician Benon Kwitonda and Senior Assistant Mechanical Engineer Jude Tusiime.
The other district officials identified are 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, Inspector of Schools Drake Kisheija, Parish Chief and Works Department office attendant Georgina Karungi, Assistant Secretary Edith Tukamushaba and Senior Assistant Secretary at Katuna Town Council Enos Akandinda.
The list further includes Acting Senior Accountant Collins Ainembabazi, Internal Auditor Denis Maviri, District Senior Forestry Officer Benjamin Ariyo, Principal Town Agent at Katuna Barbra Atuheire, Acting Assistant Town Clerk Kevin Ainebyoona, Forestry Officer Boaz Niwarimpa, Inspector of Schools Turinawe, Senior Assistant at Kibuga Town Council Milton Rwamastone and Principal Inspector of Schools Wilberforce Nabaasa.
Also named are District 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.
The five municipal officials are former Town Clerk Jamail Kasajja, who was subsequently transferred to Kasese; Deputy Town Clerk Sunday Eric; Assistant Town Clerk for the Northern Division Hilder Kashemeire; Assistant Town Engineering Officer Vincent Ahimbisibwe; and Senior Internal Auditor Mwesigwa Kabweno.
The investigation follows allegations involving payroll management, recruitment, promotions, procurement and implementation of government projects.
Principal Human Resource Officer Jacinta Tushabomwe was specifically targeted over allegations of causing a loss of approximately Shs3 billion through payments to alleged ghost workers and pensioners. She was also implicated in allegations of influencing recruitment and promotions involving relatives, including her husband, Sunday Eric, the Deputy Town Clerk of Kabale Municipality. The allegations remain subject to investigation.
Barugahara also ordered action against District Engineer Januario Bagamuhunda and other officials over concerns surrounding public projects. Senior ICT Officer Tobias Habaasa was targeted over allegations that he influenced the award of a contract to Redstone Holdings Limited for construction of Kakomo Seed School, a project estimated at approximately Shs1 billion.
Other matters under scrutiny included the Ikamiro and Rukurura gravity-flow water schemes and expenditure on vehicle repairs and maintenance, including a reported Shs450 million allocation.
Barugahara directed Kabale District LC5 Chairperson Denis Ndyomugyenyi Nzeirwe and Chief Administrative Officer Robert Mugabe to ensure that the named officials appear before the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to record statements. He also directed that the salaries of officials who fail to comply with the summons be suspended until they appear.
The referral of the 41 officials does not mean that all were formally interdicted or found guilty.
Kisoro: 29 Officials Interdicted as Barugahara Orders Service Commission Disbanded
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara ordered the interdiction of 29 officials from Kisoro District Local Government and Kisoro Municipality over allegations of corruption, nepotism, abuse of office and mismanagement of public funds.
The officials, comprising 25 district employees and four municipal staff, were directed to step aside to allow the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and other relevant agencies to investigate allegations surrounding public resources, government projects and recruitment into public service.
The directives followed Barugahara’s visit to Kisoro as part of his nationwide anti-corruption campaign. Addressing local leaders and residents at Shaza Playground, the minister said the measures were intended to enable investigators to examine alleged financial impropriety without interference and strengthen accountability in district administration.
Among the officials named for interdiction are Chief Administrative Officer John Nyakahuma, District Engineer James Karamire, District Production Officer Richard Habomugisha, Principal Internal Auditor Gabriel Nkuriye Sebusogi, District Education Officer Emmanuel Mwumvaneza and District Inspector of Schools Emmanuel Mbonyebyombi.
Others are District Agricultural Officer Harriet Mutuuzo, Principal Human Resource Officer Beatrice Komugisha and District Communications Officer Imelda Mukeshimana.
Barugahara separately ordered the interdiction and arrest of Kisoro District Parish Development Model focal person Herbert Ngabo Bubasha over alleged failure to account for funds distributed to beneficiaries under the government programme.
He also ordered the arrest of former Kisoro Municipality Northern Division mayor Michael Bazamanza and former Central Division chairperson Ramathan Ndikuyeze over allegations of misappropriating Emyooga SACCO funds.
John Mfutimukiza, the district councillor representing Nyarusiza Sub-county, was arrested over allegations of selling government jobs, while Kisoro Municipality Town Clerk Richard Mugisha was directed to vacate his office over allegations concerning government land.
District Service Commission Ordered Disbanded
The minister ordered the arrest of the chairperson and secretary of the Kisoro District Service Commission and directed that the entire commission be disbanded over alleged corruption in public recruitment.
The intervention followed complaints by Kisoro NRM chairperson Philemon Mateke, who told Barugahara that residents seeking government employment were allegedly being forced to pay bribes to secure appointments.
Mateke appealed for government intervention, saying the alleged demands for money had made access to public jobs difficult for residents who could not afford to pay.
Barugahara responded by directing the establishment of an interim service commission comprising people of integrity and proven competence. He asked Kisoro District LC5 chairperson Richard Ndyana to nominate an interim team so that recruitment could resume and funds allocated for filling vacant positions would not remain unused.
The minister also directed the Resident District Commissioner, district chairperson and mayor to work with the district council to identify qualified and credible technical officers who could temporarily assume responsibilities left vacant during the investigations.
He emphasised that investigations should not bring government programmes and public services to a standstill, urging district leaders to consider deputies and other suitably qualified personnel to maintain operations.
Barugahara further called for recruitment to fill existing vacancies, saying an interim District Service Commission would be necessary to facilitate appointments while the allegations against the current commission were investigated.
Relatives, Appointment Letters and Job-Selling Allegations
The minister also raised concerns about alleged irregularities in staff recruitment, including claims that some officials had signed appointment letters for individuals who had not undergone interviews and favoured relatives or associates in the allocation of government jobs.
He called for fresh investigations into allegations involving elected leaders and other officials accused of soliciting bribes, selling jobs or land, and misappropriating public funds.
Barugahara warned that officials implicated in corruption allegations would not be transferred to other districts simply to avoid scrutiny. He said those facing allegations should be dealt with through the appropriate investigative and disciplinary procedures rather than being moved elsewhere.
The minister also questioned reports that some officials were demanding Shs300,000 from poor applicants seeking to access the Shs1 million provided under the Parish Development Model.
He said the campaign was intended to achieve more than the removal of officials from office, arguing that accountability should translate into better administration, improved roads and more effective delivery of essential public services.
To keep district operations running, Barugahara urged local leaders to identify credible and experienced retired public servants, religious leaders and other qualified individuals who could provide temporary support as investigations and recruitment processes continued.
The measures are intended to restore public confidence in Kisoro District and ensure that government programmes reach their intended beneficiaries. The interdiction orders and arrests do not, by themselves, establish guilt.
Rubanda: 16 Officials Referred for Investigation Over Public Funds and Projects
Barugahara referred 16 Rubanda District Local Government officials to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation over alleged financial loss to government.
The officials include District Education Officer Francis Serununi Serunoni, 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.
Shs50 Million Road Payment Questioned
One of the key issues concerns a September 2024 payment of Shs50 million to Kosovo Construction and Supplies Company Limited for supplying marrum for the Kashasha–Ihunga road.
Barugahara questioned the payment, alleging that the International Fertilizer Development Center had already paid for the same project and that the murram had not been supplied.
The minister also questioned Shs700,000 reportedly released for fuel under a separate payment reference for the road project.
Rubanda Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Ahabwe distanced himself from the transaction, saying he had not yet been deployed to the district when it occurred. He referred the matter to the district internal auditor for further scrutiny.
Another case involved Shs67 million allegedly received by District Agricultural Officer Ronald Mwebesa Mugumya during the 2024/2025 financial year for activities that were reportedly not implemented.
An internal audit reportedly identified Shs24 million in alleged wasteful fuel expenditure for work that had not been done, alongside Shs4.4 million in fuel attributed to an unauthorised personalised vehicle. Receipts reportedly used to account for some expenditure were undergoing verification.
Mwebesa was also accused of failing to respond to requests to account for the funds and of absconding from duty.
Shs85 Million Bridge Triggers Arrest Order
Barugahara ordered the arrest of former District Engineer Denis Twesigomwe over alleged shoddy work and possible misuse of public funds in the construction of Bugiri Crossing Bridge in Kakore Parish, Hamurwa Sub-county.
The bridge reportedly cost Shs85 million. During the inspection, the minister pointed to cracks in the concrete, poorly bonded stones and soil accumulated along the water channel, raising concerns about the structure’s durability during heavy rains.
“I do not even need a concrete tester because there is no concrete. They used poor materials, and the cement concentration is minimal. Look at these fresh sections; the stones appear as though they were fixed by hand. How do you mix concrete and leave the stones exposed?” Barugahara asked.
He also questioned a reported proposal for an additional Shs100 million to work on the three-kilometre Kakore-Bugiri road.
Twesigomwe has separately faced allegations concerning work on Nfasha Bridge in Bufundi Sub-county. He was arrested in 2023 alongside other regional officials over allegations relating to construction projects, including Mpungu Health Centre III, and was later released on police bond.
Separately, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit proposed seeking the transfer of Rubanda District Police Commander SP John Bosco Tumwebaze to police headquarters over reported negligence in handling cases and providing investigation updates.
The proposed transfer followed concerns raised by Finance Minister Henry Musasizi Ariganyira about police handling of cases involving houses reportedly burnt in the district.
The referrals and proposed disciplinary action are intended to establish responsibility for the alleged irregularities. They do not, by themselves, establish guilt.
Rukiga: Six District Officials and Former LCIII Chairperson Targeted for Arrest
Barugahara ordered the arrest of six Rukiga District Local Government employees over allegations of corruption, abuse of office and causing financial loss to government. He also ordered the arrest of former Rwamucucu Sub-county LCIII chairperson Eddy Mugisha over allegations involving land belonging to a 94-year-old woman.
The six district officials are former Principal Human Resource Officer Nicholas Kananura, Chief Finance Officer Bruce Turyamushangayo, District Education Officer Christopher Ndyabegera, also reported as Christopher Ndyabegyera, District Water Engineer Evans Bangirana, District Engineer Deogratious Mutabazi, also reported as Deogratious Mbabazi, and District Fisheries Officer Richard Sajabi.
The seventh person targeted was Eddy Mugisha, the former Rwamucucu Sub-county LCIII chairperson.
Shs950,000 Chairs and Road Projects Questioned
Barugahara questioned the procurement of 90 district council chairs 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.
He questioned the value for money, noting that the budget provision was Shs995,000 per chair.
The minister also raised concerns about Shs120 million allocated for rehabilitation of the Nyakanengo-Nyakasiru road, alleging that only grading had been carried out despite the planned works including gravelling and drainage.
He questioned the expenditure of Shs110 million on the five-kilometre Bukinda–Rwakijuma road, where he said grading had been done without adding murram. He also raised concerns about the 8km Nyaruhanga-Kahama road, for which Shs165 million had reportedly been released.
Other projects under scrutiny included Kangondo Bridge, construction of Bukinda Sub-county headquarters and a three-storey building at St Paul’s Secondary School, Bukinda.
The minister questioned the reported Shs240 million cost of the sub-county headquarters, saying Shs100 million had been released for completed works while a balance of Shs142 million remained pending. He directed that the money should not be released until the concerns were addressed.
At St Paul’s Secondary School, Bukinda, construction of a three-storey building reportedly stalled at the foundation stage after the first phase began in the 2023/2024 financial year. The minister questioned expenditure of Shs500 million by GESIS Construction Limited, while the district engineer reportedly indicated that Shs471 million had been utilised.
Examination Fees and Recruitment Irregularities
Barugahara raised concerns that Primary Seven, Senior Four and Senior Six candidates at government-aided schools were allegedly being charged examination fees despite government funding the examinations.
He cited charges of Shs30,000 for Primary Leaving Examinations and Shs165,000 for Uganda Certificate of Education registration, and directed that the District Education Officer and district inspector of schools be investigated.
He also questioned an alleged excess capitation grant of Shs112 million linked to inflated school enrolment figures and the procurement of 1,269 iron sheets at Shs89,000 each.
The minister further raised recruitment and promotion concerns involving District Staff Surveyor Catherine Mutetsi, headteacher Jane Akatukwatsa Magigore, Education Officer Davis Twinomuhwezi and a town engineer described as a brother of the Chief Administrative Officer, whose qualifications were reportedly under review.
He also questioned the recruitment of Chief Finance Officer Bruce Turyamushangayo and the promotion of agriculture officer Innocent Arinaitwe, alleging that the required qualifications or experience may not have been met.
Barugahara directed Chief Administrative Officer Zadock Kamusiime and district LC5 chairperson Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda to ensure that district-owned land is surveyed and titled to protect it from encroachment.
Rushebeya Market Land Ordered Reopened
In a separate directive, Barugahara ordered the reopening of disputed government land hosting Rushebeya Market in Rwamucucu Sub-county.
The land had reportedly been fenced off, restricting public access. Residents accused former Rukiga District Woman MP Caroline Kamusiime Muhwezi and her husband, Andrew Muhwezi, of fencing off part of the property.
The minister directed traders and residents to resume using the land while the government works with the Chief Government Valuer to establish compensation payable to the couple.
Barugahara also ordered the arrest of tenant Barbra Tukamuhabwa over allegations that she colluded with individuals accused of taking over public land and frustrating a landlord. She was taken to Rukiga Police Station.
The allegations concerning the land remain disputed and require determination through the relevant legal processes.
Other Directives Issued During the Kigezi Tour
Beyond the individual cases, Barugahara issued directives aimed at protecting government property, enforcing accountability and preventing disruptions to public services.
In Kabale, district leaders were directed to ensure that officials summoned by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit appear to record statements. Salaries of those who fail to comply were ordered suspended until they appear.
In Kisoro, the district was directed to establish an interim service commission comprising credible and qualified people to enable recruitment to continue while the existing commission faces investigation. District leaders were also told to identify qualified technical officers who could temporarily fill vacant posts so that investigations would not paralyse government programmes.
In Rukiga, district authorities were instructed to survey and title government-owned land. Residents and traders were ordered to resume using the disputed Rushebeya Market land as compensation issues are addressed.
Across the four districts, the minister called for investigations into alleged irregular appointment letters, recruitment without interviews, promotions without required qualifications and claims that public jobs were being sold.
He also questioned road works, bridges, school construction, water schemes and other publicly funded projects over alleged poor workmanship, incomplete implementation and possible financial loss.
Investigations and arrests were ordered in Kisoro over alleged failure to account for Parish Development Model funds and alleged misappropriation of Emyooga SACCO funds. In Rubanda, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit proposed seeking the transfer of District Police Commander SP John Bosco Tumwebaze over concerns about the handling of investigations.
Barugahara warned that officials facing corruption allegations should not be moved between districts to avoid accountability.
The campaign forms part of the government’s nationwide Expose the Corrupt initiative. Investigators must now establish whether public funds were lost, procurement and recruitment rules were breached, and individual officials bear responsibility.
The distinction between interdiction, referral for investigation and arrest remains important. Interdiction is an administrative measure, an arrest does not establish guilt, and a referral for investigation is not a finding of wrongdoing.
You can see lists of other officials Interdicted in districts where Balaam Barugahara has been Here, There and Over There.
