TAKEAWAYS

• Balaam Barugahara thanked President Museveni and pledged commitment after his promotion.
• He rose from music promotion and business into political mobilisation and government.
• Expectations are high as he takes charge of the Local Government ministry.

Newly appointed Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara has expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni following his elevation to full Cabinet in the newly announced 2026–2031 government line-up.

In a message shared on X shortly after the appointments were announced, Balaam thanked God, President Museveni, Gen. Salim Saleh and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, pledging loyalty and commitment to service.

He thanked President Museveni for what he described as an elevation and promised to work tirelessly in his new role.

“Thank you, Mr. President… for elevating me… I will never disappoint you,” he said.

Balaam further pledged to focus on parish transformation and poverty eradication through local government structures and government programmes.

“The transition of our parishes begins immediately. I will not sleep until every parish shines and poverty is removed from our communities,” he added.

The appointment marks another significant step in Balaam’s public journey.

Before politics and government, Balaam built his name in Uganda’s entertainment industry as a music promoter and events organiser. From organising concerts and working with major artistes to building business interests, he became one of the country’s most recognizable entertainment figures.

Over time, his influence stretched beyond entertainment and into political mobilisation.

Balaam steadily grew closer to ruling party circles and has maintained a visible relationship with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, becoming an active mobiliser through several political activities and engagements linked to the First Son and Chief of Defence Forces.

His formal entry into government came in 2024 when President Museveni appointed him State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Youth and Children Affairs.

During his tenure, Balaam remained active on youth mobilisation and government outreach programmes, maintaining a public image many supporters describe as approachable despite his rising political profile.

Now promoted to head the Local Government ministry, Balaam enters one of government’s key service delivery dockets where expectations are expected to be considerably higher.

With local governments central to parish development and implementation of government programmes, his appointment places him at the centre of one of Uganda’s most closely watched ministries.