TAKEAWAYS

• Oboth backs the ministers: The Speaker urged MPs to support Balaam and Nameere as they tackle corruption in local governments.
• Inspections are yielding action: The campaign has triggered investigations, arrests and interdictions of some local government officials.
• Law must guide the fight: Oboth and other accountability officials have stressed that the anti-corruption campaign must follow due process.

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth has urged legislators to support Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara and Minister of State for Local Government Justine Nameere as they intensify the government’s campaign against corruption and poor accountability in local governments.

Oboth-Oboth argued that Parliament should allow the ministers to put their house in order before subjecting them to the full scrutiny of the House. He said legislators should encourage the ministers to continue their work, provided their actions remain within the law.

The Speaker’s remarks come as Balaam and Nameere have been conducting inspections and engagements across the country as part of the government’s anti-corruption drive. The campaign has focused on alleged misuse of public resources, poor service delivery, absenteeism and other governance failures in local governments.

Nameere has also warned that government revenues are being under-declared in some cities and districts, citing cases where large collections are allegedly reported as much smaller amounts.

The ministers’ operations have already resulted in investigations and administrative action against some local government officials. In Mitooma, eight senior staff were interdicted following concerns raised during Balaam’s visit, while Nameere recently called for tougher action after officials were arrested in Budaka District.

Oboth-Oboth, however, stressed that the fight must be conducted in accordance with the law, echoing earlier calls from the Deputy Inspector General of Government for the ministers to avoid legal pitfalls during their anti-corruption operations.

“Balaam, go ahead. Balaam, bravo. Nameere, bravo. Let them fight, and then we fight less.”

“If they fight, then we fight less. Less accounting officers will be invited here.”

The Speaker’s position places Parliament behind the ministers’ efforts while maintaining that accountability must remain lawful. With corruption and weak service delivery continuing to affect local governments, the effectiveness of the campaign will ultimately depend on whether investigations lead to lawful action, recovery of public resources and better services for citizens.