A bitter confrontation has erupted between Uganda’s engineering fraternity and Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara after the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) accused him and fellow government officials of orchestrating what it called an “arbitrary purge” of engineers in local governments under the guise of fighting corruption.
In a hard-hitting statement released over the weekend, UIPE, which represents more than 12,000 engineers, technologists, technicians and engineering students across the country, condemned the public arrests and humiliation of engineers during surprise inspection tours in districts including Bulambuli and Mbale.
The professional body insists it fully supports President Yoweri Museveni’s anti-corruption campaign but says some ministers are undermining the cause by conducting “media spectacles” instead of allowing professional investigations to take their course.
“The gains of this fight are lost when it is reduced to a charade, a mockery, a public spectacle, a theatrical grandstanding and a show of might for the cameras by powerful, but perhaps excited and overzealous high-ranking government officials,” UIPE said.
The engineers argued that determining whether a road, bridge or other public infrastructure project has been poorly executed requires technical expertise and independent engineering assessments—not instant judgments made during political inspection tours.
“Engineers Are Not Criminals”
UIPE described engineering as “a noble, disciplined and highly distinguished profession” and noted that many of the engineers being arrested have served Uganda with distinction for decades.
“Some of the registered engineers being arrested capriciously have had long, illustrious and distinguished careers, with an impeccable record of public service,” the statement noted.The institution warned that public arrests before proper investigations not only damage reputations but also demoralize professionals responsible for implementing government projects.
UIPE also announced it had launched its own investigations into the arrests and pledged legal and professional support for members it believes have been unfairly targeted.”UIPE shall go to the full extent to vindicate any abuse of its members’ rights,” the statement added.
It further declared that engineers “shall no longer be soft targets and punching bags for ministers scapegoating the real, systemic issues that must be confronted to fight corruption in public infrastructure projects.”
Balaam Refuses To Back Down
But Minister Balaam Barugahara has dismissed criticism of his methods, insisting that he is acting on direct instructions from President Museveni to clean up corruption in local governments. “I have a clear directive from the President to sort out local government,” Balaam said. “My security has been enhanced, and therefore, I will not fear anyone.”
The minister claimed he continues to receive reports from whistleblowers exposing corruption, including allegations of sexual exploitation in recruitment by district service commissions.
“We shall leave no stone unturned. We need a progressive Butaleja the same way as other shining districts. We shall look at work plans and all bills. The corrupt in local government will be exposed,” Balaam declared.
“The campaign to expose the corrupt in local government was approved by the Father of the Nation, His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, and fully supported by Gen. Salim Saleh and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Nobody will stop us from exposing the corrupt.”
He challenged corrupt officials to voluntarily refund stolen public money before investigators catch up with them.”The best is for the corrupt to stop stealing public funds and refund what they stole willingly so the country can progress. Otherwise, they will be exposed.”
Arrests Continue
During one inspection in Mbale, Balaam said he found glaring irregularities in government schools.
“In Mbale, we visited a primary school where government records showed support for 1,386 pupils. However, when I counted the pupils in the classrooms, there were only 705. This must stop. The head teacher was arrested and handed over to police.”
He has also vowed to investigate district headquarters, road projects, education facilities and other government-funded programmes across the country.”The era of public officials stealing from the people in broad daylight must come to an end. Every shilling of taxpayers’ money must be used for its intended purpose.”
Public Divided
The engineers’ statement has triggered an intense national debate, with many Ugandans rallying behind Balaam while others questioned whether due process is being sacrificed.Journalist Samson Kasumba defended the minister, arguing that many Ugandans who have long demanded action against corruption are now criticizing officials taking decisive action.
“Ugandans who claim to want corruption fought are now fighting Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere, who are trying new ways of dealing with local government inefficiency. What do Ugandans really want?” Kasumba wrote.
Former broadcaster Daniel Lutaaya praised the anti-corruption campaign but warned Balaam to tighten his personal security.”You need more security. The corrupt are dangerous. They work in cartels. Don’t even eat food from anywhere. Pack your own food from home.”
Several supporters urged the minister to extend inspections to other districts.Susan Kushaba wrote: “Keep the fire burning Hon. We are behind you.”
Abraham Luzzi commended Balaam’s inspections in Mbale, saying they had exposed ghost pupils, illegal school charges and financial irregularities.”We urge you to extend these inspections to more government schools across the country.”Others, however, urged the government to rely on institutions rather than individuals.
Social media user Musinguzi Baraam argued that while the campaign is welcome, lasting reforms require stronger oversight systems.”It’s a good move but outside proper procedure and therefore temporary. The permanent solution is building strong institutions.”
A Growing Showdown
The dispute now threatens to become one of the biggest confrontations between a professional body and government in recent years.While UIPE insists corruption must be fought through technical investigations, forensic audits and legal due process, Balaam maintains that extraordinary corruption demands extraordinary measures.
With inspections continuing across Uganda’s districts, more arrests are expected in the coming weeks.Whether the campaign succeeds in cleaning up local governments—or fuels further conflict with professional bodies—will likely depend on whether authorities can balance aggressive enforcement with respect for professional standards, legal safeguards and the rule of law.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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It is all very well for the minister to do what he has done.But there must be a follow up.If it’s not there the police will just release the alleged culprits on bond and there might be no further action.And the next thing you hear is that some of the people in question were transferred and nobody was convicted.Yes there there is excitement but in the end what the minister has done may not amount to much more than grandstanding unless his instructions are carried faithfully.We want him to succeed, but let us wait and see.We should not be carried way.