I would like to appreciate the concerns raised by various leaders about the methods Hon. Balaam Barugahara is using to discipline corrupt headteachers and government officials.
While their concerns may be genuine in some respects, they should also recognise that the level of corruption in the country requires strong measures, including some of the approaches Hon. Balaam is currently using.
Unless Hon. Rosemary Sseninde is new to the corruption challenges facing our country, I appreciate that, as a mobiliser in the mighty NRM party, she is aware that the government has repeatedly been faulted for failing to effectively fight corruption. I am therefore surprised that she is among those casting doubt on the methods being used by Hon. Balaam.
In fact, Hon. Balaam’s efforts to expose and arrest corrupt officials have helped restore public confidence, with many Ugandans believing that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is committed to fighting corruption, while the problem lies with some government officials who abuse their positions.
When you look at the public barazas conducted by Hon. Balaam in the districts he visits, it is often the local people themselves who call upon him to investigate and arrest officials they accuse of corruption. In many cases, the residents are also the ones providing information and evidence.
For instance, if members of the public in Bududa raised concerns and provided evidence against the Resident District Commissioner, should Hon. Balaam be blamed for bringing those concerns to light?
To me, I want to appeal to Ugandans to support efforts aimed at exposing and addressing corruption among government officials. If such efforts are supported, the country can make progress in reducing corruption. However, if we sympathise with officials accused of corruption instead of demanding accountability, it will be difficult to end the vice.
I believe Hon. Balaam has demonstrated a level of commitment that many Ugandans want to see in public leadership. Other ministers should also be encouraged to take their responsibilities seriously and deliver services to the people.
Hon. Balaam, no one should interfere with the way you are carrying out your duties as long as you operate within the law and remain accountable. You have demonstrated that strong supervision can push government officials and institutions to improve service delivery.
Ugandans are already beginning to see the impact of increased pressure on local leaders and government departments. In some areas, the mere announcement that Hon. Balaam is planning to visit a district has reportedly prompted work on neglected roads, completion of abandoned structures and attention to other outstanding government projects.
Therefore, Hon. Balaam, continue with your work and remain focused. No amount of intimidation or criticism should distract you from your responsibility to demand accountability and better service delivery, provided everything is done within the law.
I would also like to thank Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for identifying Hon. Balaam’s capabilities, which later contributed to his appointment by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to a ministerial position where we are now seeing his efforts.
Long live Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and long live President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
