Bugisu Cultural Institution Defends Dorcus Okalany

The Bugisu Cultural Institution has strongly defended the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Dorcus Okalany, against allegations of corruption circulating on social media platforms.

Speaking to this publication, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Mr. Steven Masiga, dismissed the reports as malicious propaganda aimed at tarnishing the reputation of a respected public servant who has served Uganda diligently for more than three decades.

“As a cultural institution, we know the character of our daughter Dorcus Okalany more than those spreading falsehoods against her. She is well-grounded in Bugisu culture, which emphasizes honesty, integrity, discipline, and respect for public resources,” Masiga said.

He noted that the institution is concerned about what it termed as “unfounded and malicious attacks” targeting the Permanent Secretary, insisting that Okalany has maintained an impeccable public record throughout her distinguished career in government service.

Masiga described Okalany’s rise through the ranks of public service to the position of Permanent Secretary as a result of hard work, professionalism, and exceptional leadership qualities.

“Her meteoric rise in government service to the level of Permanent Secretary is not by accident. It is a reflection of her excellent character, competence, and dedication to duty,” he added.

The cultural spokesperson further alleged that the negative publicity against Okalany could be linked to internal power struggles within the Ministry of Lands, claiming that certain individuals interested in her position are behind the smear campaign.

“There are people with personal interests who are uncomfortable with her continued leadership at the ministry. Some individuals are allegedly using social media to fight personal battles and frustrate efforts aimed at renewing her contract,” Masiga stated.

The Bugisu Cultural Institution emphasized that the Bagisu community will continue standing firmly behind its sons and daughters serving in various public offices across the country.

“It is a settled principle that Bugisu is part of Uganda and its people are entitled to participate in national leadership and public service. We shall not tolerate malicious attacks against our sons and daughters such as Dorcus Okalany and Mariam Wangadya,” he said.

Masiga warned against what he described as targeted character assassination campaigns against public officials from the Bugisu sub-region, adding that the community would resist any attempts to unfairly discredit its leaders.

“We shall rise as a community against individuals who seek to spread malice and falsehoods against our people. If anyone has credible evidence against the Permanent Secretary, they should use the legal mechanisms provided under Ugandan law instead of resorting to social media attacks,” he noted.

Citing Article 28 of the Constitution of Uganda, Masiga stressed that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

Speaking via telephone from Mbale City, Masiga reiterated that the cultural institution has confidence in Okalany’s integrity and professionalism.

“We know our sons and daughters in public service very well. I know how clean Dorcus Okalany is, and that is why she has continued to earn the trust and attention of the President,” he said.

The remarks come at a time when social media debates continue to intensify over allegations involving senior government officials, with various leaders calling for due process and responsible public discourse.

Ms. Dorcus Okalany is currently serving as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, one of the key ministries overseeing land administration and policy implementation in Uganda.