When the walls of justice begin to crumble under the weight of corruption, those who dare to rebuild them become targets.
In Butaleja District, RDC Nalongo Kwesiga Eva is at the center of a storm after prioritizing the fight against corruption in her less than three-month tenure.
Her fearless efforts to hold public officials accountable and monitor government projects have earned her praise from residents but fierce opposition from local political leaders accused of graft. Now, a group of residents, led by activists and opposition figures, is organizing a peaceful protest to stop her removal.
Reports indicate that local political leaders are pressuring appointing authorities to transfer Nalongo and her team of assistants.
They accuse her of overstepping her mandate, but residents argue that the real reason for her potential removal is her bold fight against entrenched corruption.
Moses Lyada, a former NUP flagbearer for Bunyole West constituency, dismissed these claims as politically motivated. “In Butaleja, when politicians praise an RDC, it’s often because they’re in bed with them. If they complain, it means the RDC is doing the right thing,” said Lyada, who is spearheading the planned protest.
This isn’t the first time Butaleja has seen such tension. Since 2021, the district has cycled through over five RDCs and five CAOs due to conflicts with local leaders over corruption.
These officials have been accused of either colluding with corrupt politicians or being forced out for refusing to comply with unethical practices.
Nalongo has taken a hands-on approach, regularly inspecting government projects and demanding accountability.
Her efforts have shone a light on numerous irregularities. For example, Shs 800 million has been spent on constructing the Busolwe Town Council headquarters, yet the project remains at foundation level. Similarly, stalled or poorly executed projects at Butaleja SSS, Kaiti Primary School, and Mazimasa Health Centre III have further angered residents.
Her investigation into the District Service Commission has revealed allegations of bribery, nepotism, and even sexual harassment during recruitment processes. These revelations have made her a target of corrupt officials who are now campigning for her transfer.
The pushback from residents has brought together a coalition of activists, including Lyada and James Wire. Both men have a history of confronting corruption in Butaleja. In 2022, Lyada was arrested after protesting against fraudulent recruitment practices.
Wire, now chairperson of the Busolwe Hospital board, was detained in 2024 for exposing irregularities in the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, where unexplained deductions were made from funds meant for beneficiaries.
Wire pointed to the Shs 5.5 billion spent on Butaleja House since 2009, comparing it to the Shs 5 billion Masengere House built by the Buganda Government. While Masengere is a completed masterpiece, Butaleja House remains unfinished, highlighting what Wire calls “no value for money.”
The residents’ frustration has reached its peak. They have planned a peaceful protest on Friday, January 24, 2025, marching from Busolwe Roundabout to the district headquarters. Organizers have notified the police, stressing the demonstration’s non-partisan nature.
“We call on all Banyole who value integrity to join us. This isn’t about politics or religion, standing up for what is right,” said one organizer. “If the police act unprofessionally, we are ready to respond in equal measure for the good of our land.”
The protesters are also appealing to the office of the presidency to investigate the situation directly instead of relying on reports from local politicians. “These leaders want to manipulate government offices for their selfish gains. It’s shameful!” one concerned Butalejian remarked.
The corruption issues in Butaleja are not new. In July 2023, the Daily Monitor published a report on fraudulent recruitment practices in Butaleja and Tororo. The report exposed how nepotism, bribery, and lack of qualifictions had infiltrated local governments.
According to ISO Deputy Director General Col. Emmy Katabazi, nearly 90% of DSCs in Uganda are corrupt.
Development consultant Anselm Wabwire believes Butaleja’s problems stem from poor leadership rather than a lack of resources. “Areas that develop do so because they put their resources to proper use. High turnover of government staff is a sign of a deeper problem,” Anselm said.
Despite being home to prominent national figures such as Hon. Emmanuel Dombo Lumala, Ambassador Dorothy Hyuha, and Supreme Court Justice Mike Chibita, Butaleja continues to struggle with mismanagement.
Critics argue these figures have failed to hold local officials accountable, allowing corruption to thrive.
For residents, protecting RDC Nalongo goes beyond saving one individual. It’s a fight for justice and the district’s future.
With tensions high and the protest day approaching, Butaleja stands at a crossroads. Will the voices of its residents be heard, or will corruption once again silence them? Stay tuned at Ankole times as this unfolds!
