MBARARA — The State House Anti-Corruption Agency has recommended the interdiction of 28 local government officials in Isingiro, Buhweju and Mbarara City to pave the way for investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of public resources.
The recommendations were made following investigations conducted under the government’s “Expose the Corrupt” campaign, which is targeting suspected corruption and mismanagement of public resources in local governments.
The officials affected hold key positions in administration, finance, procurement, revenue collection, engineering, health, planning and other departments.
In Isingiro District, the agency has recommended the interdiction of eight officials, including Chief Administrative Officer Alice Asiimwe Rushure and Chief Finance Officer Innocent Byagagire.
Others are District Procurement Officer Frank Kamwine, District Engineer Mishaki Ayebazibwe, District Natural Resources Officer Emmanuel Bwengye, District Veterinary Officer Dr Bruhan Kasozi, Principal Assistant Secretary Aloysius Gumisiriza and District Commercial Officer Patrick Musinguzi.
In neighbouring Buhweju District, 11 officials have been recommended for interdiction. They include Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Katambakyi Swizen, District Production Officer Flavia Nshemerirwe and District Health Officer Prudence Atukunda.
The recommendations also affect Assistant Nursing Officer John Byamukama, midwives Lilian Musimenta and Julian Tusasire, Assistant Nursing Officer Aurellia Katushabe, SAS/Town Clerk of Nsika Town Council Gastone Bainemugisha, Senior Education Assistant Gilbert Twinomuhoozi, District Internal Auditor Charles Twinomugisha and a district physical planner whose identity has not yet been established.
In Mbarara City, the agency has recommended the interdiction of nine officials, including Town Clerk Justine Barekye, City Commercial/Trade Officer Allan Karakure, Natural Resources Officer Sancho Niwagaba and Community Development Officer Mirabel Kabeigarire.
Also named are City Health Officer Longino Mugisha, Finance Officer Dunant Kamugisha, Procurement Officer Edgar Atwine, Revenue Officer Samuel Rwakinanga and City Engineer Ben Tumwijukye.
The recommendations have been submitted to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government for consideration.
The agency says interdiction would allow investigators to conduct their work without possible interference, particularly in accessing official records, witnesses and administrative processes relevant to the allegations.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi said the campaign is part of government efforts to safeguard public resources and strengthen accountability in local government institutions.
However, he cautioned against treating the officials as guilty before investigations are completed.
“The individuals listed are suspects, not convicted persons, and the investigations should establish the facts while ensuring that due process is fully observed,” Balaam said.
The investigations could uncover weaknesses in the management of public funds and government programmes if the allegations are substantiated.
The developments have attracted attention in the affected districts and Mbarara City, where local governments are responsible for managing funds and implementing programmes intended to deliver essential services to communities.
Balaam said the government would continue its fight against corruption and warned public officials against abusing resources entrusted to them.
“Uganda deserves accountable leadership, transparency and quality services for every citizen,” he said.
The interdiction recommendations do not amount to convictions. The investigations are expected to establish the facts and determine whether disciplinary, administrative or other action should be taken based on the evidence.
