Big Story: Extortion Allegations Rock Bulambuli Ahead Of Minister Balaam’s Anti-Corruption Inspection

By Swift Reporter 

Residents and local leaders in Bulambuli District have called on the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, to carry out an independent and transparent assessment of government projects during his scheduled working visit to the district from July 8 to 10.

The appeal follows the circulation of a letter signed by the minister, notifying district leaders of his planned field visit to launch a nationwide campaign dubbed “Expose and Fight Corrupt Officials in Local Governments.”

According to the letter dated June 30, 2026, the visit will involve the inspection of government programmes implemented over the past three years, culminating in a public audit rally at Bulegeni District Farm Institute. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to attend the launch as chief guest.

During the visit, the minister is expected to inspect the implementation of various government-funded projects, assess service delivery, and evaluate the utilization of public funds across key sectors, including roads, water, agriculture, procurement and local administration.

However, the planned inspection has been overshadowed by allegations that some local political figures are exploiting the minister’s visit to solicit money from district officials.

According to claims circulating within the district, Gerald Nangoli, the Member of Parliament for Elgon North County, and John Waniala, the Bulambuli District Secretary for Works, have allegedly been presenting themselves as coordinators of the minister’s visit after appearing in photographs taken with the minister during the announcement of the inspection.

Sources within the district allege that the two have been approaching heads of departments and technical officers, claiming they possess evidence of mismanagement of government funds and warning that some officials could face arrest during the minister’s visit unless they pay substantial sums of money.

The allegations, which remain unverified, claim that officials have allegedly been asked to pay amounts ranging between Shs5 million and Shs20 million. Those reportedly targeted include the district water engineer, district engineer, district commercial officer, procurement officials and members of the district contracts committee.

Residents have expressed concern that the alleged actions could undermine the credibility of the minister’s anti-corruption campaign and create fear among public servants ahead of the inspection.

There are also claims from members of the community that ongoing road works, particularly on the Sisi Sub-county road project, were deliberately halted so that incomplete sections could be presented to the minister as evidence of poor performance during the inspection.

Community members insist that Minister Balaam has built a reputation for conducting independent field inspections and should not be associated with any alleged extortion schemes carried out in his name.

They are now urging the minister to distance himself from individuals claiming to influence or coordinate the inspection and instead rely on official district records, technical reports and findings from security agencies when assessing the performance of government programmes.

According to local stakeholders, an independent inspection would ensure that any action taken is based on verifiable evidence rather than political interests or personal grievances, while protecting both public officials and taxpayers from misinformation and undue influence.

Meanwhile, the claims remain unverified, and no official investigation into the alleged extortion claims had been announced.

The minister’s visit is nevertheless expected to proceed as scheduled, with district leaders preparing for what is anticipated to be a comprehensive review of government programmes and accountability in Bulambuli District.