Balaam Calls for Tougher Anti-Corruption Measures in Uganda Local Governments

• Minister Balaam Barugahara has called for stronger accountability and anti-corruption measures in Ugandan local governments.
• Corruption is a major challenge affecting local government financing, with funds allocated for public services often misused or stolen.
• Balaam urged local government leaders to strengthen procurement controls, financial management, monitoring, verification, and accountability mechanisms.

Every shilling lost to corruption is a shilling that cannot build a classroom, support a health facility, maintain roads, provide clean water or strengthen a productive community.

The misuse of public funds is a widespread problem in Uganda, with corruption affecting service delivery across the country. Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara has sounded the alarm on this issue, warning that it undermines government programmes and hinders progress towards better services for citizens. According to Balaam, every shilling lost to corruption is a shilling that cannot be used to build classrooms, support health facilities, maintain roads, or provide clean water. The minister cited cases of poorly constructed facilities and inadequate sanitation infrastructure as examples of how corruption can have devastating consequences.

The success of fiscal decentralisation in Uganda should not be measured solely by the amount of money transferred to local governments. Instead, it is essential to consider whether the funds are adequate, equitably distributed, properly utilised, and translated into better services for citizens. Balaam Barugahara stressed that this approach would help ensure that government resources are used effectively and efficiently. The minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening procurement controls, financial management, monitoring, verification, and accountability mechanisms in local governments.

To address corruption and improve service delivery, Balaam Barugahara urged local government leaders to work towards raising revenue collections. The minister noted that collections had risen from slightly over 200 billion shillings to nearly 600 billion shillings, but challenged local governments to aim for one trillion shillings in the new financial year. The negotiations between central and local governments should focus on reducing financing gaps while making government resources more predictable and equitable. This would enable local governments to implement programmes capable of improving citizens' livelihoods.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential impact of increased scrutiny on procurement controls, financial management, and monitoring mechanisms in Ugandan local governments.

Source: Original reporting via Ugandan news outlet