While Rwabwogo insists that patriotism requires citizens to hold leaders accountable, his views have drawn swift criticism from senior Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) official Daudi Kabanda, who argues that such public pronouncements only hand ammunition to the ruling party’s opponents.

The exchange has fuelled perceptions of what political observers describe as a “divided palace”—not necessarily over loyalty to President Museveni, but over how Uganda should confront corruption, abuse of office and declining public trust in institutions.

Rwabwogo’s Call for Courage
Rwabwogo argued that suppressing civic dissent is counterproductive to national development.”People should not fear speaking against impunity or violations of the rule of law. A country develops when citizens freely express themselves and leaders are willing to listen.”

His latest intervention follows an earlier video in which he warned that torture, political killings, election malpractice and the militarisation of politics constitute greater threats to Uganda’s future than foreign enemies or natural disasters.

In that message, Rwabwogo suggested that the greatest danger to Uganda lies not outside its borders but within its institutions if injustice is allowed to flourish unchecked.

Coming from someone who belongs to the First Family through marriage and has often been viewed as an influential voice in policy circles, the remarks carried far greater political weight than those of an ordinary commentator.

The Corruption Question
Rwabwogo’s intervention also arrives at a time when corruption has become one of the country’s most contentious political issues.

In recent weeks, several government officials have faced allegations of abuse of office, procurement irregularities and misuse of public funds. Public frustration has equally grown over delayed infrastructure projects, questionable compensation claims and recurring scandals involving local governments.

His message therefore resonated with many Ugandans who increasingly believe that corruption has become institutionalised despite repeated presidential directives against it.

Political analysts note that Rwabwogo appears to be framing corruption not merely as theft of public resources but as a broader governance crisis involving abuse of authority, weak institutions and shrinking civic space.

Kabanda Fires Back
However, Daudi Kabanda, a senior official in the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), rejected Rwabwogo’s approach.

Kabanda argued that individuals occupying influential positions around the Presidency should avoid making statements that appear to undermine government institutions or embolden opposition narratives.

According to Kabanda, public criticism from insiders risks creating confusion among government supporters and gives opponents an opportunity to portray the ruling establishment as divided.

He maintained that corruption should certainly be fought but through existing state institutions rather than public campaigns that may damage confidence in government.

Kabanda further argued that those with direct access to the President should raise their concerns internally instead of airing them in public forums.

Two Different Philosophies
The disagreement illustrates two contrasting philosophies within Uganda’s broader political establishment.Rwabwogo appears to believe that accountability begins with honest public conversations and that citizens should never fear demanding better governance.

Kabanda, meanwhile, represents a school of thought that prioritises protecting institutional cohesion and believes public criticism from insiders weakens the government politically.

Neither side disputes that corruption exists.

The disagreement instead centres on how it should be confronted.Should influential figures publicly challenge abuse of power in order to pressure institutions into reform?

Or should disagreements remain behind closed doors to preserve unity?

Museveni’s Long Anti-Corruption Record
President Museveni himself has consistently declared corruption one of Uganda’s biggest obstacles to development.Over the years, he has repeatedly criticised public officials accused of stealing government resources and has occasionally ordered investigations into major scandals.

Yet critics argue that despite strong presidential rhetoric, implementation has often fallen short.Several high-profile investigations have dragged on for years while convictions remain relatively rare.

This gap between official commitments and actual enforcement has contributed to growing public scepticism.Rwabwogo’s remarks appear to echo concerns increasingly shared by ordinary Ugandans—that fighting corruption requires stronger institutions rather than speeches alone.

Signals from Within
Although there is no evidence that Rwabwogo’s views represent official government policy, his repeated interventions suggest that governance reforms are increasingly being debated even among individuals closely associated with the Presidency.

That is politically significant.

Unlike opposition politicians whose criticism is often dismissed as partisan, Rwabwogo speaks from within circles traditionally viewed as close to the centre of power.His comments therefore attract unusual attention because they cannot easily be portrayed as politically motivated attacks against the government.

Public Perception Matters
Whether intended or not, the public exchange between Rwabwogo and Kabanda reinforces perceptions that influential voices around the Presidency increasingly differ on how Uganda should address governance challenges.

For many citizens, the debate reflects broader frustrations about corruption, accountability and the pace of institutional reform.

Others see it as evidence that even those closest to power recognise the need for more open discussion about governance.

Beyond Personal Differences
Ultimately, the debate is larger than the personalities involved.It raises fundamental questions about the relationship between patriotism and criticism.

Can one support the government while openly criticising its shortcomings?Does speaking against impunity strengthen or weaken the state?Rwabwogo appears convinced that silence enables corruption to flourish.

Kabanda believes public criticism from insiders risks destabilising confidence in government.

A Palace Speaking in Different Voices
Whether these differing views amount to genuine ideological divisions or simply reflect healthy internal debate remains open to interpretation.

What is clear, however, is that Rwabwogo’s remarks have reopened a national conversation about accountability, civic participation and the rule of law.

At a time when corruption continues to dominate public discourse, the contrasting messages from two influential figures linked to the country’s power structure have created the image of a palace speaking in different voices.If anything, the exchange demonstrates that Uganda’s anti-corruption debate is no longer confined to opposition politics or civil society. It is now being waged, publicly, by figures operating from within the very establishment that has governed the country for nearly four decades.

His passing brings to a close one of the longest and most consequential careers in Uganda’s political and military history. Over more than five decades, Gen Moses Ali served as a soldier, cabinet minister, rebel leader, peace negotiator and elder statesman, surviving some of the country’s most turbulent political transitions.

From serving in the government of former President Idi Amin to later becoming one of President Yoweri Museveni’s longest-serving ministers, his life reflected Uganda’s complex journey through war, reconciliation and national rebuilding.

Early Life and Military Career

Born in 1939 in present-day Adjumani District, Moses Ali joined the Uganda Army as a young man and steadily rose through the military ranks. He was formally commissioned in 1967 with other notable Ugandans alongside Brig Gen Mark Kodili, former UPDF Chief of Personel and Administration.

His leadership abilities saw him assume senior responsibilities within government after Idi Amin seized power in 1971. During Amin’s administration, Ali served as Minister of Finance before later becoming First Deputy Prime Minister, making him one of the regime’s most influential civilian leaders.

Following the collapse of Amin’s government in 1979, Moses Ali fled into exile together with many senior officials.

From Rebel Leader to Peace Negotiator

Rather than retiring from public life, Moses Ali returned to the political scene as leader of the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), a rebel movement largely composed of fighters from the West Nile region.

The insurgency continued throughout the early 1980s until 1988, when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government negotiated a peace agreement with the UNRF.The accord became one of Uganda’s earliest successful peace settlements and restored stability to the West Nile region.

The agreement also transformed Moses Ali from an armed opponent of government into one of its most trusted senior leaders.

Joining the Museveni Government

Following the peace agreement, Gen Moses Ali joined President Yoweri Museveni’s government and quickly became one of its most experienced cabinet ministers.

Over the next three decades, he served in several influential portfolios, including Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Second Deputy Prime Minister and later Third Deputy Prime Minister.

Successive cabinet reshuffles retained him in senior positions, reflecting the confidence the President placed in his vast institutional experience.

Champion of West Nile

For residents of Adjumani and the wider West Nile region, Moses Ali was more than a national politician.He became the region’s most recognizable political figure and was repeatedly elected Member of Parliament for Adjumani West County.

Throughout his parliamentary career, he championed road construction, education, healthcare, refugee welfare and post-conflict recovery in northern Uganda.Many residents credited him with ensuring that West Nile remained firmly represented at the highest levels of government.

Managing Uganda’s Refugee Programme

As Minister responsible for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Gen Moses Ali oversaw one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting programmes.

Uganda earned international recognition for its progressive refugee policy during his tenure, particularly in responding to humanitarian crises involving refugees from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.He also coordinated government responses to floods, droughts, landslides and other natural disasters that affected communities across the country.

A Political Survivor

Few Ugandan politicians demonstrated the resilience of Gen Moses Ali.He served under vastly different political systems and remained relevant throughout dramatic changes in Uganda’s leadership.

Although his association with the Idi Amin government attracted criticism over the years, he consistently defended his role while advocating reconciliation and national unity.His transition from rebel commander to senior government minister became one of Uganda’s most remarkable political transformations.

A Respected Voice in Parliament

Within Parliament, Moses Ali was regarded as one of the institution’s elder statesmen.While many younger legislators dominated debates with fiery speeches, he was known for his measured interventions, calm temperament and preference for quiet negotiations.

His extensive knowledge of Uganda’s political history made him one of Parliament’s most respected senior figures.Despite advancing age and occasional health challenges in recent years, he remained active in parliamentary business and cabinet meetings whenever his health permitted.

Legacy Beyond Politics

Outside government, Moses Ali was respected as a peacebuilder.His influence helped consolidate peace in West Nile following years of conflict, allowing communities to rebuild and attract development.

He remained deeply involved in community affairs and was regarded as a father figure by many leaders from northern Uganda.His long public service earned him recognition across political divides as one of the last surviving leaders whose careers spanned nearly every phase of Uganda’s post-independence history.

National Mourning

President Yoweri Museveni is expected to lead national tributes celebrating Gen Moses Ali’s contribution to Uganda’s political stability, peacebuilding and governance.

Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, religious leaders and political figures from across the country are also expected to honour his memory.His death leaves a significant void within Uganda’s senior political leadership.

A Lasting Legacy

Gen Moses Ali’s life cannot be separated from Uganda’s modern political history.

He witnessed colonial rule, independence, military governments, civil war, rebellion, peace negotiations and democratic politics. Through every phase, he remained a central figure whose influence shaped events far beyond his home district.

Whether remembered as a soldier, cabinet minister, rebel leader, negotiator or elder statesman, Gen Moses Ali leaves behind a legacy of resilience, reconciliation and public service.He is survived by his family, relatives and generations of Ugandans whose lives were touched by his leadership.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Government of Uganda in consultation with his family.

The United States dollar funds were allegedly stolen from the office of Counsel Roberts Fridays Kagoro, while the Ugandan currency was reportedly stolen from the office of his co-managing partner, Counsel Frederick Jeremiah Muwema. Bizarrely, whereas fifteen police officers were present during the impugned exercise, the firm underscores that they did not bother to stop the violence, chaos and, criminal acts and impunity witnessed on that black day.

Instead, the police reportedly actively and directly participated in the commission of those crimes, benefitted from them, and supported, as well as encouraged on their alleged partners in crime.  The law firm explains that a lawyer company called Downtown Investments and its director, Puresh Kumar Ratital Mehta were the principal masterminds of the entire chaos.

They ostensibly acted alongside their lawyers, Rukia Adam, Ahmed Bongo and Fredrick Byatokoreire who are heavily blamed for reportedly abandoning their legal decorum to join armed goons in causing untold havoc, despite being officers of court and vanguards of due process.

Joining this park, the aggrieved law adds, was a security company known as A1 Security Systems. Together with the rest of the actors they allegedly ransacked the premises and dragged to the waiting get-away trucks confidential clients’ files, title documents and, valuable office equipment estimated at close to Ushs200 million.

The plaintiff emphasizes that whereas the actors concealed the impugned operation as merely a re-entry by the Downtown Investments, it was an illegal eviction conducted against the backdrop of a subsisting and ongoing court case. That original case had been filed by the company and it’s directors through their aforementioned lawyers, and it was intended to resolve the tenant-landlord lease-and-buy agreement status quo after the company claimed the tenant( Muwema and Company Advocates) had breached the contract and failed to pay rent.

The law illuminates that the security company was not legally permitted to participate in the operation – let alone considering it’s illegality- and yet the police and Downtown Investments lawyers supposedly simply looked on and just encouraged them as they reportedly broke all of the laws with reckless impunity. For the presumed illegal activities and negligence of the police officers present at the illegal operation, the law firm has joined the learned Attorney General  to the lawsuit to atone for their rogueness and unprofessionalism, crimes, and illegalities in damages.

In a recap, the law firm – now comfortably settled in the leafy Upper Nakasero part of Kampala Capital City- want all of the cited defendants to foot the cost with Ushs12 billion, excluding the legal fees to be quantified following the conclusion of the lawsuit. The defendants are legally expected to file their respective defenses within 15 days of being served with the necessary court process in regards to this lawsuit. We shall keep you posted about all of the breaking developments related to this matter.  Stay well and take care.

In a lawsuit seeking up to Ushs12 billion in lost, stolen, and vandalized properties, as well as defamation, humiliation and loss of business, the law firm emphasizes that USD 250,000 and Ushs37 million in physical cash were stolen during the illegal operation and remain unrecovered to date.

The United States dollar funds were allegedly stolen from the office of Counsel Roberts Fridays Kagoro, while the Ugandan currency was reportedly stolen from the office of his co-managing partner, Counsel Frederick Jeremiah Muwema.

Bizarrely, whereas fifteen police officers were present during the impugned exercise, the firm underscores that they did not bother to stop the violence, chaos and, criminal acts and impunity witnessed on that black day.Instead, the police reportedly actively and directly participated in the commission of those crimes, benefitted from them, and supported, as well as encouraged on their alleged partners in crime.

The law firm explains that a lawyer company called Downtown Investments and it’s director, Puresh Kumar Ratital Mehta were the principal masterminds of the entire chaos.

They ostensibly acted alongside their lawyers, Rukia Adam, Ahmed Bongo and Fredrick Byatokoreire who are heavily blamed for reportedly abandoning their legal decorum to join armed goons in causing untold havoc, despite being officers of court and vanguards of due process.

Joining this park, the aggrieved law adds, was a security company known as A1 Security Systems. Together with the rest of the actors they allegedly ransacked the premises and dragged to the waiting get-away trucks confidential clients’ files, title documents and, valuable office equipment estimated at close to Ushs200 million.

The plaintiff emphasizes that whereas the actors concealed the impugned operation as merely a re-entry by the Downtown Investments, it was an illegal eviction conducted against the backdrop of a subsisting and ongoing court case.

That original case had been filed by the company and it’s directors through their aforementioned lawyers, and it was intended to resolve the tenant-landlord lease-and-buy agreement status quo after the company claimed the tenant( Muwe ma and Company Advocates) had breached the contract and failed to pay rent.

The law illuminates that the security company was not legally permitted to participate in the operation – let alone considering it’s illegality- and yet the police and Downtown Investments lawyers supposedly simply looked on and just encouraged them as they reportedly broke all of the laws with reckless impunity.

For the presumed illegal activities and negligence of the police officers present at the illegal operation, the law firm has joined the learned Attorney General to the lawsuit to atone for their rogueness and unprofessionalism, crimes, and illegalities in damages.

In a recap, the law firm – now comfortably settled in the leafy Upper Nakasero part of Kampala Capital City- want all of the cited defendants to foot the cost with Ushs12 billion, excluding the legal fees to be quantified following the conclusion of the lawsuit.

The defendants are legally expected to file their respective defenses within 15 days of being served with the necessary court process in regards to this lawsuit.We shall keep you posted about all of the breaking developments related to this matter.

The decision, which came amid growing public outrage over the commercialization of school tours and widespread disregard for transport safety regulations, has been welcomed by many parents, road safety advocates, and politicians who argue that schools have turned educational excursions into lucrative businesses at the expense of children’s lives.

The suspension follows one of the country’s deadliest school transport accidents in recent years, renewing questions about how schools select transport providers, why overloaded and unroadworthy buses continue to ferry children across the country, and whether regulatory agencies have failed in their oversight responsibilities.

Government Responds
In announcing the suspension, Dr. Muyingo said the ministry could not continue to permit school excursions while fundamental questions about learner safety remain unanswered.

He directed that all school trips, tours and educational excursions be suspended indefinitely as investigations into the fatal crash continue.The ministry is expected to review existing guidelines governing school travel, transport safety standards, parental consent procedures and the licensing of tour operators before allowing schools to resume such activities.

Education officials say the review will also examine the responsibilities of school administrators, district education officers and transport companies.

A Tragedy That Shocked Uganda
The horrific crash claimed the lives of more than twenty pupils and left dozens of others nursing serious injuries.Images from the accident scene quickly spread across social media, triggering national grief and anger.

Many Ugandans questioned why children continue to travel in overcrowded buses, often covering hundreds of kilometres on roads known for frequent accidents.Others wondered why schools repeatedly hire the cheapest transport providers despite repeated warnings from traffic police and road safety experts.

Parents have described the tragedy as every family’s worst nightmare.”This should never have happened,” one parent wrote.”We entrust schools with our children, not with gambling with their lives.”

School Trips Become Big Business
The tragedy has also reopened debate about the cost of school tours.Across Uganda, educational trips have increasingly become compulsory, especially for upper primary and secondary learners.

Parents complain that schools charge between Shs500,000 and well over Shs1 million per child depending on the destination.While schools market the excursions as educational experiences, many parents argue they have become profit-making ventures.

Several parents interviewed after the suspension welcomed the government’s intervention.”We have been forced to pay huge sums whether we can afford them or not,” said one parent.”Sometimes children who fail to pay are isolated from their classmates. These trips stopped being educational a long time ago.”

Another parent said schools rarely explain how the fees are calculated.”You pay hundreds of thousands of shillings, yet the children travel in old buses packed beyond capacity.”

Social Media Applauds Government Action
The suspension immediately generated widespread reactions online.

On X, Facebook and TikTok, many users praised the Education Ministry for acting swiftly.

Some argued that the decision should have been taken years ago.

One X user wrote: “Children cannot continue dying because schools want extra income.”

Another posted: “Safety must come before profits.”

Others demanded criminal prosecutions against school directors who knowingly hire unsafe buses.Several users urged government to introduce mandatory inspections before any school journey.

Some suggested that every school trip should require police clearance and certification that the transport provider meets safety standards.

Politicians Demand Accountability
Leaders across the political divide also called for stricter enforcement of transport regulations.

Several legislators argued that existing guidelines have been ignored for years because enforcement agencies rarely conduct inspections.Others called for school heads whose negligence contributes to fatal accidents to face criminal charges instead of merely administrative sanctions.

Some politicians also questioned the role of district education authorities, asking why schools continue organizing large-scale excursions without adequate supervision.Road safety advocates meanwhile urged Parliament to strengthen penalties for transport companies that overload school buses or operate defective vehicles.

Minister Lakisa Wins Praise
Even before the suspension was announced, another government minister had already attracted public attention for taking direct action.

Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Dr Mercy Faith Lakisa personally intercepted an overcrowded vehicle transporting school children for a tour.The minister shared the incident on social media, warning schools against risking children’s lives through dangerous transport practices.

His intervention received widespread praise.Many Ugandans described it as practical leadership rather than waiting for tragedies to occur.

“This is exactly what leaders should be doing,” one Facebook user commented.

“They should be in the field enforcing the law.”

Another wrote: “We need ministers who act before people die, not after.”

The incident has since become symbolic of growing demands for proactive enforcement rather than reactive investigations.

Safety Concerns Long Ignored
Road safety experts say Uganda has experienced repeated warnings over school transport.

Common violations include:

Overloading buses.

Using mechanically defective vehicles.

Employing fatigued drivers.

Excessive speeding.

Night travel.

Failure to use licensed transport operators.

Despite existing traffic regulations, enforcement remains inconsistent.Experts argue that schools often prioritize affordability over safety.

Some buses used during school trips reportedly lack functioning seat belts, emergency exits and valid inspection certificates.

Parents Demand Reforms Following the suspension, parents’ associations have called for sweeping reforms.

Among the proposals being discussed are: Mandatory mechanical inspections before every school journey.

GPS monitoring of school buses.

Limits on travel distances for younger learners.

Stricter vetting of transport companies.

Transparent accounting of school trip fees.

Greater parental involvement in approving excursions.

Parents also want educational trips to return to their original purpose.

Many argue that schools increasingly organize expensive leisure outings disguised as academic tours.

The Bigger Question
The tragedy has exposed broader weaknesses within Uganda’s education oversight system.

Critics argue that school trips operate with minimal supervision despite involving thousands of children every term.District education offices rarely inspect transport arrangements.Traffic police often only intervene after accidents occur.

Insurance coverage remains poorly understood by many parents.Consumer protection for families paying substantial tour fees is also weak.Education experts say the suspension offers government an opportunity to redesign how educational tours are conducted.

Looking Ahead
The Ministry of Education now faces pressure to develop stronger and enforceable safety guidelines before lifting the suspension.Stakeholders believe future school trips should prioritize learning while guaranteeing children’s safety.

Many have proposed limiting excursions to destinations within reasonable distances and requiring independent safety audits before departure.Others believe schools should face heavy penalties for violating transport regulations.

A National Wake-Up Call
Beyond the immediate grief, the deaths of more than twenty pupils have become a painful reminder that preventable negligence can have irreversible consequences.

For years, parents complained about exorbitant school trip charges, overcrowded buses and poor accountability, but those concerns often went unheeded.Now, the suspension announced by Acting Education Minister Dr. Chrysostom Muyingo signals a recognition that the status quo can no longer continue.

The public mood is unmistakable: educational trips should enrich children’s learning, not expose them to avoidable danger. Ugandans are increasingly demanding that schools, transport operators and regulators place safety above profits and convenience.

Whether the indefinite suspension results in lasting reforms or becomes another temporary response will depend on the government’s willingness to enforce stricter standards, punish negligence and restore public confidence that every child who leaves school for an educational tour will return home safely.

Over the past weeks, the ministers have toured several districts under the nationwide campaign dubbed “Expose and Fight Corrupt Officials in Local Governments.” Their inspections have reportedly uncovered ghost workers on payrolls, inflated school enrolment figures, abandoned road projects, procurement irregularities and suspected diversion of public funds. In some instances, district engineers and senior administrators have been arrested or subjected to investigations.

Yet perhaps the most disturbing revelation is not the corruption itself, but how long it appears to have flourished without intervention from institutions mandated to supervise local governments.

Oversight Institutions Under Question
Every district in Uganda has an elaborate oversight structure comprising the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) or Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Deputy RDCs, District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), Internal Auditors, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), District Public Accounts Committees and various security agencies.

Their mandate extends beyond security. They are expected to monitor government programmes, report abuse of public resources and ensure public funds are used for intended purposes.

However, many of the irregularities being uncovered by the ministers are not hidden crimes.

Ghost workers remain on payrolls for months. Roads are either poorly constructed or never completed despite payments being made. Public buildings deteriorate while maintenance funds disappear. Schools reportedly inflate enrolment figures to attract additional capitation grants.

Such activities occur in full public view.

The obvious question therefore becomes: Where were the oversight institutions?If ministers can discover these irregularities within days of inspection tours, critics argue that local oversight organs either failed in their responsibilities or deliberately ignored the wrongdoing.

A Failure of Routine Accountability
Governance experts argue that anti-corruption campaigns should not become substitutes for functioning institutions.

Human rights defender Dr Sarah Bireete, has consistently argued that corruption thrives where accountability institutions become weak or compromised. He has maintained that lasting success depends on strengthening institutions rather than relying solely on periodic crackdowns.

The current campaign appears to reinforce that argument.The inspections suggest corruption had become normalized within some local governments, allowing procurement fraud, payroll manipulation and poor supervision to continue largely unchecked until ministers arrived.

This raises difficult questions about institutional culture.

If district security committees receive regular intelligence reports, how did such widespread irregularities remain undetected?If internal auditors produce quarterly reports, why were warning signs not acted upon?If RDCs submit periodic reports to the Office of the President, why did many of these concerns never trigger intervention earlier?

Winnie Kiiza: Institutions Must Work
Former Leader of the Opposition Winnie Kiiza has previously argued that Uganda’s anti-corruption struggle cannot rely on dramatic arrests alone but requires strong, independent institutions capable of preventing abuse before it occurs.

She has repeatedly emphasized that corruption flourishes when accountability offices become politically weak or fail to act independently, arguing that genuine reform requires strengthening oversight systems from the village level to central government.

Her position aligns with growing public concern that periodic anti-corruption operations often expose wrongdoing that had existed for years while those responsible for supervision remained inactive.

Eastern Uganda Under the Spotlight
Eastern Uganda has become the first major testing ground for Balaam’s campaign.

During inspections in the Bugisu sub-region, the ministers uncovered allegations involving:

suspected ghost workers on district payrolls;

inflated school enrolment figures;

questionable road works;

alleged misuse of funds allocated for local government projects; and

procurement irregularities.

The campaign resulted in the arrest of Bulambuli District Engineer Paulo Walimbwa, while several other technical officials were subjected to investigations as government widened the probe into the management of district resources.

Subsequently, the campaign extended to Jinja, where Minister Balaam directed the Chief Administrative Officer to step aside pending investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Inspectorate of Government over corruption allegations.

These actions demonstrate government’s willingness to intervene.

However, they also reveal that local oversight systems had failed to identify or stop the alleged misconduct before ministerial intervention became necessary.

Security Agencies Cannot Escape Scrutiny
The campaign inevitably places RDCs, RCCs, DISOs and district security committees under uncomfortable scrutiny.

These officials attend district security meetings regularly.

They receive intelligence.

They monitor implementation of government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), road maintenance, education grants and health services.Consequently, it becomes increasingly difficult to explain how widespread irregularities persisted without corresponding administrative action.

Some analysts argue that oversight officials should equally be subjected to performance audits whenever significant corruption is uncovered in their jurisdictions.

If corruption becomes systemic within a district, responsibility should extend beyond technical officers to include those charged with monitoring governance.

Public Confidence at Stake
The ministers’ campaign has generated considerable public support because many citizens have long complained about poor service delivery despite increasing government expenditure.

Roads remain impassable.

Health centres lack medicines.

Schools continue to suffer infrastructure deficits.

Yet billions of shillings are appropriated annually.

Each new exposure reinforces public perception that corruption, rather than inadequate funding, remains one of the greatest obstacles to development.

The campaign has therefore become both an anti-corruption exercise and a public confidence initiative.

However, sustaining that confidence will depend on successful prosecutions and institutional reforms rather than publicity alone.

Beyond Arrests
Political analysts caution that anti-corruption campaigns often begin with energy but gradually lose momentum unless backed by structural reforms.

Uganda already possesses multiple anti-corruption institutions, including the Inspectorate of Government, State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Auditor General, Directorate of Public Prosecutions and Criminal Investigations Directorate.

The latest campaign therefore highlights not merely the existence of corruption, but the need for these institutions to coordinate more effectively and intervene before ministers are forced to conduct surprise inspections.

Ultimately, Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere’s campaign has exposed two crises simultaneously.

The first is the theft and misuse of public resources.

The second—and arguably more serious—is the apparent breakdown of routine oversight within local governments.

Until RDCs, RCCs, DISOs, internal auditors, district councils and security committees consistently perform their statutory oversight responsibilities, corruption will remain cyclical, requiring periodic ministerial interventions rather than being prevented through strong institutions.

The campaign has therefore shifted the national conversation from merely identifying corrupt officials to questioning whether Uganda’s accountability architecture is functioning as intended—a debate likely to continue long after the current inspections conclude.

In a ruling that has significantly altered the course of one of Uganda’s most closely watched extradition proceedings, Justice Simon Peter Kinobe ordered a stay of the extradition process pending the determination of Katungi’s application challenging the legality of the proceedings.

The ruling effectively freezes any attempt by the Ugandan government to surrender Katungi to American authorities until the High Court determines whether the extradition process complies with Uganda’s Constitution and the country’s Extradition Act.

Justice Kinobe Speaks
While issuing the interim orders, Justice Kinobe emphasized that preserving the status quo was necessary to ensure that the court was not rendered ineffective before hearing the substantive application.

The judge ruled that the extradition proceedings before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court should be suspended until the High Court determines the legal questions raised by Katungi.

According to the ruling, allowing the extradition process to proceed before the constitutional and legal issues are determined could render the pending application nugatory if Katungi were surrendered before the court pronounces itself on the legality of the process.

The temporary orders now place the extradition proceedings on hold as both parties prepare detailed submissions before the High Court.

Segona Welcomes Decision
Katungi’s lead lawyer, Medard Segona, welcomed the High Court decision, describing it as a victory for due process and constitutionalism.

“The court has appreciated that there are fundamental legal issues which must first be determined before any person can be extradited. Our client deserves the protection of the law and the constitutional guarantees available to every Ugandan citizen,” Segona said after the ruling.

He maintained that the defence is challenging both the procedure adopted by the State and the legal basis upon which the extradition request is being pursued.

According to Segona, extradition is not an automatic administrative exercise but a judicial process that must strictly comply with Ugandan law and constitutional safeguards.He added that the defence remains confident that once the High Court fully hears the matter, justice will prevail.

Serious Charges in the United States
Katungi is wanted in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, where prosecutors have filed a multi-count indictment against him alongside Bulgarian national Dimitrov Mirchev, Kenyan national Odhiambo Asumo and Tanzanian national.

American prosecutors accuse the four of participating in an elaborate international criminal enterprise involving the supply of military-grade weapons to Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the world’s most notorious drug trafficking organizations.

The indictment alleges conspiracy to distribute and possess more than five kilograms of cocaine intended for unlawful importation into the United States.

The suspects are also accused of conspiracy to possess firearms, including machine guns and destructive devices, in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, as well as conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.

Government Had Approved Extradition
Before the latest High Court intervention, the Ugandan government had already approved Katungi’s extradition.

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions informed the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court that the Attorney General’s Chambers had cleared the request after determining that Uganda could legally cooperate with the United States under the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the Extradition Act.

Justice Minister Norbert Mao subsequently requested the Chief Magistrate to issue a warrant for Katungi’s arrest to facilitate his surrender to U.S. authorities.

Following the request, Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court initiated extradition proceedings after Katungi was arrested and remanded to Luzira Prison.

Background
As previously reported by The Investigator, Katungi’s troubles began after U.S. investigators unveiled an international investigation into what they described as a sophisticated network allegedly linking arms dealers, forged military procurement documents and narcotics trafficking across several countries.

According to investigators, Katungi allegedly participated in meetings held in London and South Africa where plans were discussed to supply sophisticated weapons to the Mexican CJNG cartel.

The U.S. indictment claims he allegedly offered to obtain firearms from Uganda for eventual sale to the cartel.Investigators further allege that forged End User Certificates and Delivery Verification Protocols were prepared to disguise the movement of weapons across international borders.

The indictment also alleges that payments linked to the operation flowed through bank accounts in Kenya while weapons originating from Eastern Europe were allegedly destined for criminal organisations operating in Mexico.

Katungi has consistently denied any wrongdoing through his lawyers.

His legal team argues that the allegations remain untested and insists that he should not be surrendered before Ugandan courts determine whether the extradition request satisfies all legal requirements.

The case has attracted significant public attention because Katungi is a retired Uganda People’s Defence Forces officer and previously served as a senior official in the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), an organisation associated with Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

His arrest generated intense political and legal debate, with supporters questioning the timing of the extradition proceedings while government lawyers maintained that the matter is purely judicial and based on international legal obligations.

The High Court’s intervention now marks the latest chapter in the complex legal battle.

For now, Michael Katungi will remain in Uganda as the High Court considers whether the extradition process complies with the Constitution, the Extradition Act and Uganda’s international obligations.

Whatever the eventual outcome, the case is expected to become one of the country’s most significant judicial precedents on extradition, international criminal cooperation and the protection of constitutional rights in cross-border prosecutions.

The discharge represents the culmination of months of intensive surveillance, treatment, contact tracing and public health interventions that have once again demonstrated Uganda’s capacity to contain one of the world’s deadliest viral diseases.

According to Uganda Media Centre Executive Director Allan Kasujja, the patient’s recovery is a significant moment in the country’s public health response.

“Tomorrow morning, the last Ebola patient will be discharged from the isolation unit at Mulago Hospital. When that happens, Uganda starts counting down. If 42 days pass without a single new case, WHO guidelines stipulate that we will be declared Ebola free. I have said it before. Epidemics come to die in Uganda,” Kasujja said.

The discharge signals the beginning of the mandatory 42-day observation period required by the World Health Organization (WHO). The period, equivalent to two incubation cycles of the Ebola virus, is internationally recognised as the benchmark before a country can officially declare the end of an Ebola outbreak.

Health officials have, however, cautioned that although there are no remaining patients in treatment, surveillance activities will continue nationwide until the countdown is completed.

A Major Victory for Uganda’s Health System
The expected discharge is being celebrated as another victory for Uganda’s health sector, which has over the years built one of Africa’s strongest Ebola preparedness and response systems.

From the moment the latest outbreak was confirmed, health authorities activated emergency response teams, established treatment centres, intensified border screening and deployed hundreds of surveillance officers to identify and monitor contacts.

Medical teams at Mulago Hospital worked around the clock treating infected patients while ensuring strict infection prevention measures to protect health workers and the public.

The Ministry of Health, working alongside district surveillance teams, laboratory experts, development partners and international health agencies, mounted an aggressive campaign to stop community transmission before it could spread further.

Officials say the coordinated response prevented what could have become a much larger national health emergency.

The Importance of the 42-Day Countdown
Under WHO guidelines, an Ebola outbreak is declared over only after 42 consecutive days have passed since the last confirmed patient tested negative and was discharged, provided no new infections are detected.

The countdown is critical because Ebola can remain undetected for up to 21 days after exposure. Doubling that incubation period provides assurance that hidden chains of transmission have been broken.

During the observation period, health workers will continue:

Monitoring former contacts.

Investigating all suspected alerts.

Conducting laboratory testing where necessary.

Maintaining rapid response teams across the country.

Educating communities on reporting suspected symptoms.

Any confirmed case during the countdown would reset the 42-day clock.

Uganda’s Experience with Ebola
Uganda has faced several Ebola outbreaks over the past two decades, making it one of Africa’s most experienced countries in managing the disease.

The country’s first major Ebola outbreak occurred in 2000 in Gulu District. It became one of the largest Ebola epidemics recorded at the time, claiming hundreds of lives before being contained through aggressive public health interventions.

Subsequent outbreaks have occurred in districts including Bundibugyo, Luwero, Kibaale, Kasese, Ntoroko and Mubende, among others.

Although each outbreak has presented unique challenges, Uganda has consistently strengthened its surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, emergency operations centres and community mobilisation strategies.

The country has also become a regional leader in rapid diagnosis, contact tracing and case management, with many neighbouring countries seeking technical support from Ugandan experts during disease outbreaks.

Lessons Learned from Previous Epidemics
Every Ebola outbreak has helped improve Uganda’s preparedness for future public health emergencies.

Following earlier epidemics, the government invested heavily in laboratory testing facilities, trained specialised rapid response teams and improved coordination between the Ministry of Health, local governments and international partners.

Border screening mechanisms were strengthened, especially along Uganda’s frontiers with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ebola outbreaks have occurred repeatedly.

Community health education has also played an important role in encouraging early reporting of symptoms while discouraging practices that facilitate virus transmission.

These investments have significantly reduced the time taken to detect, confirm and isolate suspected cases.

Community Cooperation Key to Success
Health experts say one of the biggest contributors to Uganda’s success has been community participation.

Village health teams, local leaders, religious institutions and community volunteers have worked closely with health officials to identify suspected cases, monitor contacts and educate the public about Ebola prevention.

Public awareness campaigns through radio, television and social media encouraged people to seek medical attention early while discouraging misinformation and stigma against survivors.

Former Ebola patients have also become advocates for early treatment, helping communities understand that timely medical care greatly improves survival chances.

International Recognition
Uganda’s handling of Ebola outbreaks has repeatedly earned praise from international health organisations.

The country’s ability to rapidly activate emergency operations, deploy surveillance teams and coordinate with partners has become a model for epidemic preparedness across the region.

Experts note that Uganda’s investments in disease surveillance following previous outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly strengthened its capacity to respond to infectious disease emergencies.

While challenges remain, Uganda’s public health institutions have consistently demonstrated resilience in managing highly infectious diseases.

Vigilance Must Continue
Despite the encouraging progress, health authorities have warned against complacency.

Officials continue to urge members of the public to report anyone presenting symptoms such as sudden fever, unexplained bleeding, severe weakness, vomiting or diarrhoea, especially if they have had contact with confirmed cases.

Hospitals across the country remain on alert, while laboratories continue testing suspected samples to ensure any new infections are detected quickly.

Health experts emphasise that the end of treatment does not necessarily mean the virus has completely disappeared until the 42-day observation period is successfully completed.

Hope on the Horizon
If no new Ebola cases emerge during the observation period, Uganda will officially join the growing list of countries that have successfully eliminated another Ebola outbreak.

For families affected by the disease, healthcare workers who risked their lives on the frontline, and communities that endured months of heightened vigilance, the expected discharge of the final patient represents hope, resilience and the effectiveness of coordinated public health action.

Kasujja summed up the national mood with confidence in Uganda’s ability to overcome epidemics.

“Tomorrow morning, the last Ebola patient will be discharged from the isolation unit at Mulago Hospital. When that happens, Uganda starts counting down. If 42 days pass without a single new case, WHO guidelines stipulate that we will be declared Ebola free. I have said it before. Epidemics come to die in Uganda.”

If the countdown concludes without interruption, Uganda will once again demonstrate why its disease surveillance system is regarded as one of the strongest on the African continent, reinforcing the country’s reputation for responding swiftly and effectively to deadly infectious disease outbreaks.

The explosive revelation has triggered fresh investigations by the Inspector General of Government (IGG), with anti-corruption investigators now scrutinizing the procurement, design and costing of one of the country’s most expensive road projects.

Speaking while addressing concerns over the ballooning cost of the road project, Byamukama blamed a network of engineers whom he accused of deliberately inflating bills of quantities, altering designs and creating unnecessary cost variations that ultimately burden taxpayers.

“We discovered that engineers manipulated the designs and cost estimates. Government has been losing huge amounts of money because of these practices. We estimate that close to Shs700 billion was lost through inflated engineering costs,” Byamukama said.

The minister’s remarks have reignited public anger over Uganda’s escalating infrastructure costs, especially after it emerged that a 27-kilometre road stretch whose original estimate stood at approximately Shs600 billion is now expected to consume almost Shs2 trillion.

The figures have left many Ugandans questioning how a relatively short road could nearly quadruple in cost before completion.Government insiders say the discovery was made during an extensive review of engineering designs and procurement documents after officials noticed unexplained increases in project costs.

According to officials familiar with the review, investigators found repeated alterations in technical drawings, changes in pavement specifications and multiple contract variations that significantly increased the overall project value.

The Works ministry reportedly became suspicious after comparing the project’s cost with similar highway projects in neighbouring countries, where roads of comparable standards were completed at substantially lower prices.

Byamukama said government has now instituted tighter supervision of engineering designs before contracts are approved.”We cannot continue losing taxpayers’ money because of a few dishonest individuals. Every engineering design must now undergo strict scrutiny before implementation,” he warned.

The allegations have attracted the attention of the Inspector General of Government, whose office has reportedly opened investigations into possible abuse of office, causing financial loss and procurement irregularities.

Sources familiar with the investigations say detectives are examining documents from the Uganda National Roads Authority’s successor departments, consultancy firms and engineering companies that participated in the project.Investigators are expected to determine whether public officials colluded with private consultants to inflate costs and whether criminal charges should follow.

Officials say several engineers, procurement officers and project consultants could be summoned to record statements as investigators piece together the paper trail.Anti-corruption campaigners have welcomed the investigations but insist that accountability should not stop with technical officers.

Civil society organizations argue that engineers alone cannot approve billion-shilling payments without the involvement of accounting officers, procurement committees and political supervisors.Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, said the allegations point to systemic corruption that extends beyond engineers.

“If indeed Shs700 billion was lost, then this was not the work of one category of professionals. Such payments require approvals across several government offices. The investigations must establish the entire chain of responsibility,” she said.

The Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda also called for full transparency, saying Ugandans deserve to know who benefited from the inflated contracts.”The public has paid heavily for poor governance. Every official involved, regardless of rank, should be investigated and prosecuted if evidence supports criminal charges,” the coalition said.

Transparency advocates further urged government to publish all engineering designs, contract variations and payment schedules relating to the disputed project.They argue that public disclosure would allow independent experts to determine whether the additional costs were technically justified or simply disguised corruption.

Economists say inflated infrastructure contracts have devastating consequences for Uganda’s development.

Every unnecessary billion spent on a single road project means fewer hospitals, schools, water systems and rural roads can be financed elsewhere.Infrastructure specialists note that road construction naturally becomes more expensive because of compensation, terrain challenges, imported materials and exchange-rate fluctuations.

However, they say such factors alone cannot explain dramatic increases running into hundreds of billions of shillings without comprehensive technical justification.The latest revelations also revive long-standing concerns over contract variations, a practice that has repeatedly been cited by auditors as one of the biggest drivers of cost overruns in government projects.

Previous reports by the Auditor General have highlighted weaknesses in project planning, inadequate feasibility studies and frequent design changes that often lead to significant increases in contract values after work has already commenced.

Critics argue that some contractors deliberately submit low bids during procurement only to recover profits later through numerous variations approved during implementation.Others blame weak supervision, political interference and inadequate sanctions against officials responsible for poor project management.

For ordinary Ugandans, however, the figures are staggering.Social media platforms were flooded with criticism after Byamukama’s remarks, with many questioning how billions of shillings could disappear while many roads across the country remain in poor condition.

Some users argued that engineers should not shoulder all the blame, insisting that such large financial decisions involve multiple government agencies and approval structures.Others called for lifestyle audits of public officials involved in major infrastructure projects, saying unexplained wealth among some officers raises serious questions about corruption.

The controversy is likely to increase pressure on anti-corruption agencies to demonstrate tangible results.For years, Uganda has announced investigations into high-profile infrastructure projects, yet only a handful have resulted in successful prosecutions or recovery of stolen public funds.

As the IGG intensifies investigations, attention will focus on whether the probe uncovers a wider network involving consultants, contractors, procurement officials and public servants responsible for approving payments.

Minister Byamukama has vowed that government will not tolerate manipulation of engineering processes and promised reforms aimed at strengthening oversight of public infrastructure projects.”We want value for money. Every shilling must work for Ugandans. Those who manipulated government projects will be held accountable,” the minister said.

Whether the ongoing investigations will finally expose those responsible for the alleged Shs700 billion engineering bonanza remains to be seen. But the case has once again highlighted the enormous financial risks posed by weak oversight in public infrastructure projects and the urgent need for stronger accountability in the management of taxpayers’ money.

The complaint, addressed to the Speaker of Parliament as a matter of national importance, paints a grim picture of a road project that has missed its completion deadline by several years despite consuming billions of taxpayers’ money.

According to the document seen by The Investigator, the legislator says Dot Services Ltd was contracted to tarmac the 29-kilometre Luweero–Butalangu road at a cost of Shs93 billion. The project was financed through a loan secured in 2017 and was expected to be completed and handed over to the Ministry of Works and Transport in 2019. However, six years after the expected completion date, the road remains unfinished.

The MP warns that the prolonged delays have crippled transport, disrupted businesses and left thousands of residents frustrated.

Parliament Petition

In the petition, the legislator tells Parliament that one section of the road has become virtually impassable after being closed by the contractor for an extended period.

“Dot Service Ltd was contracted to tarmac Luweero–Butalangu road (29km) at Shs93bn. This money was a loan secured in 2017 and the road was supposed to be handed over to the ministry in 2019. Unfortunately, to date, the road is still under construction,” the petition reads.

The MP singles out the stretch between Kiwoko and the Luweero Don Fuel Station, saying it has remained closed for nearly one year.

According to the petition, the closure has denied motorists access to one of the area’s busiest transport corridors, affecting movement of people and goods.”I therefore pray that the Government through the Ministry of Works and Transport intervenes so that the work is expedited to allow traffic flow and normal trade in the affected zone,” the MP appealed.

Residents Bear the Brunt

The prolonged construction has reportedly taken a heavy toll on residents, traders and transport operators who depend on the road linking Luweero District to neighbouring communities.Motorists have been forced to use lengthy alternative routes, increasing fuel costs and travel time.

Traders transporting agricultural produce have equally complained about delayed deliveries, while taxi operators say poor road conditions have accelerated vehicle wear and tear.Business owners along the corridor also report declining customer traffic because many motorists now avoid the route altogether.

The delays have renewed concerns over the management of major government-funded infrastructure projects, particularly those financed through external borrowing.Critics argue that every year of delay increases project costs while denying Ugandans the intended economic benefits.

Tough talking minister

Since taking office, Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama has adopted a firm stance against contractors who abandon or unduly delay government road projects, warning that such practices undermine public confidence and slow economic development.

He has repeatedly directed contractors to return to stalled sites and honour their contractual obligations, stressing that government will not tolerate unnecessary delays on projects funded by taxpayers and development partners. Byamukama has maintained that contractors who fail to perform risk sanctions, including contract reviews and other measures provided for under their agreements.

The minister’s tough position has been evident on several major road projects across the country, including the Mityana–Fort Portal Road and the Mpigi–Busunju Road, where he publicly demanded that contractors accelerate construction and address bottlenecks that had slowed progress. He has consistently emphasized that well-maintained road infrastructure is critical for trade, tourism and agricultural productivity, urging contractors to mobilize sufficient equipment, personnel and financing to ensure projects are completed within the agreed timelines. According to Byamukama, government will continue closely monitoring all ongoing road works to guarantee value for money and timely delivery of infrastructure projects.

Contractor Explains Delays

Dot Services Ltd has attributed the slowdown to financial constraints that affected project implementation.Company spokesperson Ben Byarabaha confirmed that work had indeed slowed in recent months but said the contractor has now resumed operations after securing additional financing.

“We have resumed work on the project following arrangements for extra funding. Our teams are back on site and construction activities are progressing. We appreciate the patience of the public and assure all stakeholders that we are committed to completing the road,” Byarabaha said.

He explained that mobilization of equipment and personnel had already commenced and that residents would soon witness increased activity along the road corridor.According to the company, renewed financing will enable faster execution of the remaining works and eventual completion of the project.

Strategic Importance

The Luweero–Butalangu road is regarded as one of the key transport arteries in the Greater Luweero region.

Besides connecting trading centres, the road serves farmers transporting coffee, bananas, maize and other agricultural produce to urban markets.Improved road infrastructure was expected to lower transport costs, attract investment and stimulate economic activity across the district.

Government has repeatedly cited road construction as central to Uganda’s strategy of improving market access and boosting household incomes.However, prolonged delays on projects such as Luweero–Butalangu continue to raise questions about project supervision, contractor performance and value for money.

Pressure Mounts

The parliamentary complaint is likely to pile further pressure on both the Ministry of Works and the contractor to deliver visible progress.

Members of Parliament have increasingly demanded stricter accountability for delayed infrastructure projects, arguing that taxpayers deserve timely delivery of services financed through public borrowing.

Infrastructure analysts say prolonged delays often increase project costs through inflation, contract variations and additional supervision expenses.

For residents of Luweero, however, the concern is more immediate.Their priority is seeing construction completed and normal traffic restored after years of waiting.

With government now directing Dot Services Ltd back to full operations and the contractor confirming that additional funding has been secured, attention will shift to whether the renewed commitments translate into tangible progress on the ground.

For thousands of motorists, traders and farmers who rely on the road every day, the hope is that the latest promises finally mark the beginning of the end of a project that has taken far longer than originally planned.