MBale City, Uganda — The Bugisu Cultural Institution has cautioned civil servants in the Bugisu sub-region against allegedly seeking the help of traditional rainmakers to interfere with the ongoing government monitoring exercise being conducted by the Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara.
The institution’s spokesperson, Steven Masiga Bukuka, claimed that some government officials facing accountability concerns were attempting to use cultural means to disrupt the minister’s activities in the region.
Masiga alleged that some individuals were offering large sums of money to rainmakers to cause heavy rainfall, landslides and floods, similar to past disasters experienced in parts of Bududa.
“I have received cultural intelligence that some civil servants in Namisindwa and Bududa are looking for experienced rainmakers to disrupt the monitoring exercise,” Masiga said.
He praised Minister Balaam for the approach he has taken while carrying out his duties, saying the minister has helped guide officials on government procedures and referred cases involving misuse of public resources to the relevant authorities.
“On behalf of His Highness the Umukuka and the entire cabinet of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, we commend Hon. Balaam for his work. He first briefed His Highness about his mission in Bugisu, and both Hon. Namere and Hon. Balaam have worked well with the institution,” Masiga said.
The spokesperson also urged the minister to remain alert against individuals who may attempt to create divisions among staff because of workplace disagreements.
Masiga encouraged residents of Bugisu to give the minister the necessary support as he carries out his monitoring duties, assuring that the cultural institution would continue working with government agencies to ensure smooth operations.
“We encourage our people to welcome Hon. Balaam and support his work. The cultural institution remains available to offer guidance where necessary,” he said.
He further praised Hon. Namere for what he described as her humble and approachable nature, saying her conduct had impressed many leaders in the region.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution said it would continue cooperating with government officials while discouraging what it described as attempts by some individuals to intimidate visitors or interfere with government programmes.
