RUBANDA, UGANDA – The Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has referred 16 Rubanda District Local Government officials to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation over alleged financial loss to government following concerns about the quality of publicly funded projects.
The referral was made during an anti-corruption tour of the Kigezi Sub-region, where the minister inspected government projects and questioned whether public funds were being translated into durable infrastructure and improved service delivery.
During the inspection, Barugahara visited Bugiri Crossing Bridge in Kakore Parish, Hamurwa Sub-county, before proceeding to Karukara Market and Rubanda General Hospital to assess the quality of infrastructure and the delivery of public services.
At Bugiri Crossing Bridge, reportedly constructed at a cost of Shs85 million, the minister raised concerns about the quality of workmanship and the durability of the structure, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
He pointed to visible cracks in the concrete, poorly bonded stones and soil accumulated along the water channel, raising questions about the materials used and whether the construction met the required standards.
The concerns prompted scrutiny of the management and utilisation of public funds allocated to infrastructure development in the district.
“The anti-corruption tour is intended to promote accountability and ensure public funds deliver quality infrastructure and better services, including healthcare,” Barugahara said.
The referral of the 16 officials opens the way for further investigations into the concerns raised during the inspection. However, the referral does not establish that the officials committed any offence or caused financial loss, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi welcomed the anti-corruption initiative in the Kigezi Sub-region, describing it as long overdue.
Musasizi emphasised the need to strengthen accountability in public spending and ensure that government-funded projects deliver value for money.
The referral comes amid renewed government scrutiny of the implementation of public projects and the quality of services delivered by local governments.
Barugahara is expected to extend the anti-corruption tour to Kanungu and Rukungiri districts next week as the government continues to examine concerns surrounding public infrastructure and service delivery.
