President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Thursday, 21 released his shuffled cabinet list where seasoned events Management guru, Balam Barugahara Ateenyi was arguably the most surprising names to make the cut.
As public attention turns to the new and perhaps the most unlikely Minister, many continue to draw into Balam’s past life where indelible facts continue emerging about the yellow man.
It has now emerged that before joining the ruling side, Balam was an active mobiliser for the opposition outfit- Forum for Democratic Change( FDC) whose then leader, Col Dr Kizza Besigye he speaks about with reverence to date. Balam strongly supported Besigye in his 2001 inaugural attempt at the Presidency. Expounding reasons for his support for the opposition during an interview with one of the major Television stations in 2018, Balam attributed it to not only the University bandwagon at Makerere where it was believed to be unfashionable for anyone from there not to support opposition but also the fact that Besigye’s campaign message was pro poor.
“ His campaign policies majorly centred around the marginalised poor. He was advocating for policies like the removal of graduated tax and universal education and you know I was coming from a poor background. I have been an advocate for the marginalised all my life and I continue being so.” Balam explained then.
As time went on, his activism in FDC caught the eye of the big shots in government. Balam recollects a rare invitation to a meeting by then NRM Secretary General, John Patric Amama Mbabazi and former paymaster, Noble Mayombo which shattered his strong loyalty to Besigye never to return.
At the meeting whose venue he doesn’t specify, Balam was offered school fees, solving his biggest challenge as a young boy from a rural impoverished family.
“ I wasn’t bought but I was asked what my problem was and I told them it was school fees. I was coming from a humble background and as a privately sponsored student at the time, I was finding it hard to pay the Shillings six hundred in tuition at the time. The university was also being inconsiderate to students like me.” Balam recounted.
By 2006, he was an old Saul turned to Paul and since then, he has never turned back. He has been one of the most outspoken defenders of the NRM government for which he has attained haters and allies alike. In a television debate some time in 2020, Balam faced the ridicule from motor mouthed NUP strongwoman, Betty Namboozi who ridiculously christened him a “ useless idiot” to suggest he was brain incapable to articulate issues other than passionately singing praise for President Museveni.
As a fearless advocate for the first son, General Muhoozi Keinerugaba taking over from Museveni, Balam has emerged as one of the biggest cogs in the new PLU movement, being the Vice Chairman in charge of Eastern Uganda.
More About Balam Barugahara Ateenyi?
Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi was born on July 28, 1979, in Masindi District to Gladesi Byenkya Abwooli of Kalisizo District in Central Buganda, and the late Engineer David Balaam Byenkya Akiiki of Kijura.
He is the fifth child among 14 children. His father passed away when he was at a tender age in 1991.
He is a Munyoro by tribe.
Education Background
Balaam Barugahara attended Namasagali Secondary School and St. John Bosco Senior Secondary School both in Kamuli district, Busoga, for his O’level studies and Original Progressive Senior Secondary School for A-level studies.
Afterwards, Balaam pursued a Diploma in Marketing in 2001 and a bachelor’s degree in commerce in 2007 at Makerere University.
He finally went for a master’s degree in business administration with a marketing major at Cavendish University Uganda in 2009.
Marriage / Relationship
Balaam is not married however; he was in a relationship where he had a son whom he later regrettably lost to Cancer in 2013.
Balaam is also a father to Benta Karuhanga Abwooli, Biden Kamusiime Amooti, Brennan Kamukama Akiiki and Bennette Tumusiime Amooti.
During an interview in November 2023, he was quoted saying that he hopes to marry a Dinka, a Karamojong, an Acholi, and a Munyankole. He would love to marry four women in a bid “to balance Uganda.”
Career and Professional Work Experience
While attending Makerere University, Balaam Barugahara got involved in event promotion after meeting Abitex, the planner of a Kadongo Kamu event at Nakivubo Stadium.
After a beverage-selling gig at the show went wrong, Balaam decided to get into events promotion. He did this in response to Semujju’s shame and frustration.
Beginning with Miss University and the buzzers throughout the university, he began planning events within the university and continued even after finishing.
Balaam Barugahara is the owner and operator of two businesses in South Sudan: the first privately held media outlet he founded in 2009, Radio One, and the Original Best Water Company.
Along with being the MTN Uganda distributor for the Kigezi sub region, he is also the owner and managing director of Radio 4 (Uganda), Radio 7 (Masindi), Radio 8 (Masaka), and Radio 8 (Elgon region).
Balaam is also a Real estate developer and he operates hotels in South Sudan and Kampala, including a five-star establishment in Masindi that President Museveni officially opened in September 2022.
Balaam was elected President of the National Federation of Entertainment Promoters Limited (NAFEP) in August 2023.
Other Career accomplishments
Balaam is the Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of the following;
Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Balaam Marketing and Promotions Agency Ltd.
Director and Founder of Radio 7 100.7 FM Uganda, 103.3 FM Radio 4 Uganda and 87.9 FM Radio One South Sudan’s Juba.
Managing Director/Chairman of Balaam Group Ltd., a promotions and civic education agency; founder and director of a five-star hotel in Masindi.
Balaam is the vice-chairperson of the PLU, formerly MK Movement in Western Uganda and the president of Ugandan entertainment promoters.
As the Director of Public Relations, he is essential in liaising between the Ugandan government, which includes President HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and artists, particularly musicians, comedians, and actors from films.
In addition to his extensive volunteer activities, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi is constructing a home for children with mental disabilities.
Balaam has also assisted other musicians in need and has frequently asked to resolve conflicts that come up between artists.
