Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama has been urged to address allegations surrounding his political rise and the circumstances under which some of his opponents were prevented from contesting against him.
The concerns have been raised by veteran journalist Steven Ariong, who says the minister should welcome scrutiny and ensure that questions surrounding his political career and leadership are fully addressed.
Ariong begins by congratulating Byamukama on his appointment as a full Minister of Works and Transport by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as well as his return to Parliament representing Bugangaizi West Constituency in Kakumiro District.
However, he argues that the minister’s political journey has been accompanied by allegations that require clarification.
One of the issues raised concerns Bright Alinda, who, according to Ariong, had expressed interest in contesting against Byamukama during the NRM primaries.
Ariong alleges that Alinda was arrested and charged with defilement at a time when he was preparing to challenge Byamukama. He further claims that the case was later dismissed after questions arose over documents presented in court by the State.
These allegations, however, would require verification from court records and the relevant authorities.
Ariong also raises questions about the 2026 general election in Bugangaizi West, where Byamukama faced Kisembo James Wakame.
According to Ariong, Kisembo enjoyed significant support during the campaigns, but his nomination was later challenged before the Electoral Commission over alleged irregularities involving signatures.
The Electoral Commission subsequently nullified Kisembo’s nomination. Ariong questions the circumstances surrounding the timing of the decision and Kisembo’s subsequent attempt to challenge it in court.
He argues that the issues surrounding the nomination dispute deserve closer scrutiny, particularly regarding the timing of the Electoral Commission’s decision and communication of its ruling.
Ariong says these matters should not be treated as settled simply because Byamukama was eventually declared unopposed.
He calls for investigations into the allegations surrounding the arrest and prosecution of Alinda, as well as the nomination dispute involving Kisembo, saying transparency would help clear any doubts surrounding the minister’s political record.
The writer also turns his attention to the Ministry of Works and Transport, where he questions the role of some officials advising the minister.
He specifically mentions Commissioner for National Roads Isaac Wani and calls for scrutiny of decisions involving engineers and officials accused of corruption or professional misconduct.
Ariong says corruption remains a major challenge in Uganda’s infrastructure sector, arguing that poor workmanship, delayed projects and escalating costs can undermine public investment in roads and other infrastructure.
He therefore advises Byamukama to exercise caution, thoroughly scrutinise the information presented to him and ensure that disciplinary actions within the ministry are based on credible evidence and due process.
“Minister of Works, watch your back. You are already in a trap,” Ariong writes, warning the minister not to allow himself to be misled by individuals within the system.
At the same time, Ariong commends the government’s efforts to fight corruption and expresses support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in their stated efforts to address corruption.
He says the fight against corruption should be applied fairly and consistently, with every individual and institution subjected to scrutiny where credible concerns arise.
The writer concludes by urging Minister Byamukama to use his position to promote transparency, accountability and better service delivery in the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The allegations contained in the commentary remain claims by the writer and would require independent verification and responses from the individuals and institutions mentioned.
