Before the appointment of Hon. Balaam Atenyi as Minister of Local Government, Uganda had a largely silent Cabinet, with ministers rarely speaking out against corruption during their public gatherings.
In fact, some ministers were accused of shielding corrupt civil servants because, during general campaigns, some civil servants aligned themselves with ministers and allegedly became funders of their campaigns using public resources.
Not until Balaam came up with a new and vigorous approach to exposing and arresting corrupt officials did several comments emerge from a section of ministers criticising the methods Hon. Balaam was using.
This was partly because Hon. Balaam had started arresting some of the officials and individuals who were allegedly supporting some ministers. However, Balaam has not bowed to the criticism.
What is happening now is that other ministers are also trying to become more vocal in the fight against corruption.
I was shocked at one point when I heard a full minister, who should have powers similar to those of Hon. Balaam, telling civil servants, “Be careful, Hon. Balaam will get you.”
I was shocked.
This made me realise that the fight against corruption in Uganda may now be receiving greater attention from Hon. Balaam.
I think Hon. Balaam should also consider investigating some of his fellow ministers where there are allegations that they have been conniving with corrupt civil servants in the districts.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
