Museveni Ministers Forced to Walk 3km as Cars Get Stuck on Road That Cost A lot of Money, District Engineer Arrested

MBALE — Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has revealed that he and other government officials were forced to abandon their vehicles and walk about three kilometres after their convoy became stuck on a road that had reportedly consumed UGX 300 million in public funds.

The incident occurred during an inspection of road projects in Bungokho North Constituency, where government officials were assessing the state of the Kyasura–Bukingala six-kilometre road amid allegations of misuse of public funds.

According to Barugahara, the inspection uncovered what he described as alarming evidence suggesting that funds earmarked for the road project may have been misappropriated despite official records indicating the work had already been completed.

“On inspection of road projects in Bungokho North Constituency today, we found disturbing evidence of the alleged misappropriation of UGX 300 million that had been allocated for the construction of the Kyasura–Bukingala 6 km road.”

Barugahara said the inspection was conducted together with Local Government State Minister Justine Nameere, Bungokho North Members of Parliament Hon. Shafiga and Hon. Mohammad Masaba, the Chief Internal Security Officer (CISO), the LC V Chairperson, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mbale Regional Police Commander Afande Twala, other security agencies, local leaders and residents.

“The inspection was conducted together with Hon Justine Nameere, the area Members of Parliament, Hon. Shafiga and Hon. Mohammad Masaba, the CISO, LC V Chairperson, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), RPC Mbale Afande Twala, other security agencies, local leaders, and residents.”

Barugahara said the condition of the road sharply contradicted official expenditure records.

“Despite records indicating that UGX 300 million had been spent by June 2026, the road remained in such a poor condition that all our vehicles got stuck, forcing us to walk approximately 3 km to reach the project site.”

The minister said the inspection immediately resulted in the arrest of the district engineer.

“Following these findings, the Mbale District Engineer was arrested to assist with investigations into the alleged misappropriation of public funds.”

Barugahara said the government was determined to end the theft of money allocated for roads and other public infrastructure projects.

“The era of stealing money meant for roads and other public infrastructure in local governments is over. Every shilling allocated for service delivery must be accounted for, and those responsible will face the law.”

He also directed anti-corruption agencies to pursue the matter to its conclusion.

“State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the CID, the matter is now before you for thorough investigation and appropriate action.”

The arrest comes amid an intensified government crackdown on alleged corruption in local governments, with authorities increasingly targeting officials suspected of diverting public funds meant for infrastructure and service delivery. Investigators are expected to establish how the UGX 300 million allocated for the Kyasura–Bukingala road was spent and whether additional arrests or criminal charges will follow.

Meanwhile, Museveni Has Beefed Up Minister Balaam Barugahara’s Security as Local Government Corruption Crackdown Intensifies, as reported Here.