MBARARA CITY — The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, is in Mbarara City as of Monday 4th August 2026, conducting an aggressive anti-corruption crackdown and monitoring government service delivery.
The Minister said he came to “fix what is hard” rather than receive pleasantries. His visit has already led to high-profile administrative actions.
Executive Interdictions and Arrests:
In a swift move against the alleged mismanagement of public funds, Minister Barugahara ordered the immediate interdiction and arrest of several top Mbarara City officials to pave the way for full criminal and administrative investigations. Those affected include:
1. *Ms. Justine Barekye* – Mbarara City Town Clerk
2. *Mr. Simon Ejua* – Deputy City Town Clerk
3. *Other unnamed senior officials* attached to the city council
Key Activities on the Ground:
*Market Fire Intervention*: Earlier on Tuesday, the Minister visited the Maj. Victor Bwana Timber Market, which was devastated by an early-morning inferno. He consoled affected SME traders and promised government interventions to address their concerns.
During his tour, Minister Barugahara highlighted his deep roots in the area. He revealed that he was born at Mbarara Hospital on 28th July 1979, under difficult circumstances. His parents had traveled to Mbarara as political detainees at Makenke Barracks because his late father was accused of supporting Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Uganda Patriotic Movement – UPM.
He noted that these childhood hardships continue to inspire his unyielding fight for accountability and better service delivery in local governments.
