Balaam Barugahara, Uganda’s newly appointed Minister for Local Government, has vowed to enforce aggressive structural reforms and crack down on deep-seated corruption. Taking over the docket following a May 2026 cabinet reshuffle, Barugahara pledged strict budget oversight and immediate disciplinary actions to restore accountability across all 146 districts, municipalities, and town councils.
Speaking after his parliamentary vetting on Monday, the minister said his reform agenda will focus on reshaping how local governments operate, with an emphasis on discipline, efficiency, and transparency in public service delivery.
Barugahara raised concern that a number of local government officials have remained in the same postings for decades, a situation he believes has contributed to entrenched corruption networks and poor performance in service delivery.
“We cannot continue with a system where individuals stay in one district for 20 years or more. This creates comfort zones that breed corruption and weaken accountability. Rotation is necessary to break these networks and restore professionalism,” he said.
Under the proposed reforms, the minister said local government officers will be rotated every three years, supported by continuous capacity building and stronger supervisory mechanisms from the central government.
He also revealed plans to introduce a biometric attendance system across all local government offices to curb absenteeism and improve discipline among public servants.
Barugahara warned that strict action would be taken against officers who repeatedly fail to report for duty without authorization.
“If you miss duty repeatedly without permission, you will have no place in this system. We need public servants who are committed and accountable to the people,” he said.
The minister further emphasized that his administration will prioritize ensuring that government poverty alleviation programmes reach intended beneficiaries, saying corruption and diversion of funds must be eliminated at all levels.
He also confirmed that overseeing the upcoming Local Council elections will be among his first major assignments, noting that preparations are already underway following the release of funding to the Electoral Commission.
Barugahara pledged to ensure the elections are conducted transparently and efficiently, while warning against misuse of Local Council positions for personal enrichment.
He added that his tenure will be defined by strict enforcement of discipline and a renewed focus on restoring public trust in local governance structures across the country.
