The State House Anti-Corruption Agency has recommended the interdiction of 27 district and city officials in Isingiro, Buhweju and Mbarara as investigations continue into alleged high-level corruption.
The recommendations were announced by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi following inspections conducted under the government’s “Expose the Corrupt” campaign in districts in the greater Nkore region.
The officials are being recommended for interdiction to allow investigators to conduct their inquiries independently and without possible interference.
In Isingiro District, the officials listed include District Natural Resources Officer Emmanuel Bwengye, District Veterinary Officer Dr Bruhan Kasozi, District Procurement Officer Frank Kamwine, Chief Finance Officer Innocent Byagagire, Principal Assistant Secretary Aloysius Gumisiriza, Chief Administrative Officer Alice Asiimwe Rushure, District Engineer Mishaki Ayebazibwe and District Commercial Officer Patrick Musinguzi.
In Buhweju District, the agency recommended the interdiction of Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Katambakyi Swizen, District Production Officer Flavia Nshemerirwe, District Health Officer Prudence Atukunda, Assistant Nursing Officer John Byamukama, midwives Lilian Musimenta and Julian Tusasire, Assistant Nursing Officer Aurellia Katushabe, SAS/Town Clerk of Nsika Town Council Gastone Bainemugisha, Senior Education Assistant Gilbert Twinomuhoozi, District Internal Auditor Charles Twinomugisha and a District Physical Planner whose name was not provided.
In Mbarara City, those listed are Town Clerk Justine Barekye, City Commercial/Trade Officer Allan Karakure, Natural Resources Officer Sancho Niwagaba, Community Development Officer Mirabel Kabeigarire, City Health Officer Longino Mugisha, Finance Officer Dunant Kamugisha, Procurement Officer Edgar Atwine, Revenue Officer Samuel Rwakinanga and City Engineer Ben Tumwijukye.
Barugahara said the recommendations followed visits by the State House Anti-Corruption Agency to the affected local governments.
He said the interdictions are intended to create an environment in which investigations can proceed without interference.
The minister stressed that the officials named are suspects and not convicted persons, and that investigations must establish the facts while respecting due process.
“The individuals listed are suspects, not convicted persons, and the investigations should establish the facts while ensuring that due process is fully observed,” Barugahara said.
The recommendations now go to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government for consideration and action.
The latest action comes amid renewed government efforts to investigate alleged misuse of public resources and improve accountability in local governments.
Barugahara said the campaign would continue as government seeks to strengthen transparency and ensure that public resources are used to deliver services to citizens.