Bugisu Cultural Institution Spokesperson Warns Against Attempts to Frustrate Minister Balaam's Anti-Corruption Monitoring Exercise

Mbale, Uganda — The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, has warned civil servants in the Bugisu sub-region against engaging in any actions intended to frustrate the ongoing anti-corruption monitoring exercise being spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi.

Masiga alleged that the institution had received what he described as "reliable cultural intelligence" indicating that some public officials facing accountability concerns were allegedly seeking the services of traditional rainmakers in an attempt to cause heavy rains, flash floods and landslides that could disrupt the minister's inspection tour across the region.

According to Masiga, the alleged plan was intended to interfere with the government's efforts to monitor service delivery and investigate allegations of corruption in local governments.

"Please don't hire rainmakers to distract the monitoring exercise. We have been informed that some civil servants in Namisindwa and Bududa are looking for experienced rainmakers to cause heavy rains and frustrate the exercise," Masiga said.

He referenced the devastating landslides and prolonged flooding that affected Bududa District in previous years, claiming that similar natural disasters were allegedly being invoked to obstruct the government's work. However, Masiga did not present evidence publicly to support the allegations.

Cultural Institution Commends Balaam's Approach

Masiga praised Hon. Balaam's leadership style, saying the Bugisu Cultural Institution was satisfied with the minister's methods of executing the monitoring exercise.

He said that before commencing his mission in the region, Hon. Balaam formally briefed His Highness the Umukuuka about the objectives of the exercise, a move the cultural institution welcomed as respectful and consultative.

Masiga noted that in many instances, the minister had chosen dialogue and guidance over punitive action, especially where public officials misunderstood government procedures. He added that where evidence of misuse of public funds existed, the matters had appropriately been left to investigative and prosecutorial agencies.

"On behalf of His Highness the Umukuuka and the entire cabinet of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, we commend Hon. Balaam for his professionalism. He first briefed the Umukuuka about his mission in Bugisu, and where officials have accountability issues, the relevant prosecutory agencies have taken over," Masiga said.

Warning Against Internal Sabotage

Masiga further cautioned that internal conflicts among civil servants should not be used to undermine the monitoring exercise. He revealed that he had personally advised Hon. Balaam to remain vigilant against individuals who might provide misleading information out of personal or workplace rivalries.

"As spokesperson of the cultural institution, I advised Hon. Balaam to be careful of staff members who might use office differences to falsely implicate their colleagues. I am happy that he listened to our counsel," he said.

He reaffirmed the Bugisu Cultural Institution's commitment to working with government agencies and offering guidance whenever necessary to ensure the monitoring exercise proceeds peacefully.

Praise for State Minister Justin Nameere

Masiga also applauded the Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Justin Nameere, for what he described as her humility and respectful engagement with leaders in the Bugisu region. He said many ministers within the Bugisu Cultural Institution had been impressed by her approachable leadership style and willingness to work with cultural leaders.

Support for Anti-Corruption Campaign

The remarks come as Hon. Balaam continues implementing the "Expose the Corrupt" campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening accountability, improving service delivery and exposing corruption within local governments.

The monitoring exercise has already covered Bulambuli District, Namisindwa District, Mbale District and Mbale City, where the minister has met local leaders, inspected government programmes and received complaints from residents.

The campaign has already produced tangible outcomes. In Bulambuli District, several officials were arrested, prosecuted and remanded by the Anti-Corruption Court over allegations including abuse of office, causing financial loss and neglect of duty following investigations into the management of public resources.

Masiga said the Bugisu Cultural Institution fully supports lawful efforts to promote transparency and accountability and pledged continued cooperation with government institutions.

"As a cultural institution, we shall continue working closely with our visitors and state organs to ensure they carry out their duties without intimidation. We encourage the people of Bugisu to accord Hon. Balaam the necessary reception and support as he continues this important work," Masiga said.

While Masiga's allegations regarding the use of rainmakers remain unverified, his comments underscore the strong backing that the Bugisu Cultural Institution says it is giving to the government's ongoing campaign against corruption and poor service delivery in the region.