Shs22.7bn Probed As 267 Arrested
KAMPALA. President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to intensify the anti-corruption fight is gaining momentum, with funds linked to corruption complaints now under investigation. The nationwide Expose the Corrupt campaign led by Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit has resulted in hundreds of arrests, mass interdiction of officials, arraignment of accused persons, and generation of over a hundred case files.
The multi-agency drive brings together SHACU, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and other government agencies to probe abuse of office, misuse of public resources, procurement irregularities, recruitment by District Service Commissions, land administration, Parish Development Model funds and poor service delivery. SHACU head Brig Gen Henry Isoke said the implicated funds represent matters under active investigation and not conclusively established loss, with actual loss to be determined through audits and verification.
President Museveni said the operation implements long-standing NRM policy. He stated, “This campaign, which people like Balaam are doing, is implementing what NRM has been telling you all the time.” Brig Gen Isoke described the initiative as a force multiplier, noting, “The campaign is a force multiplier in our efforts to eradicate corruption in our country. It involves a whole-of-government approach and, given the goodwill of all leaders at various levels and support by the citizens, corruption in local governments will be substantially degraded.” He added that citizen participation is central, saying, “The fight against corruption is a people’s responsibility.”
On why arrests exceed court cases, Isoke explained that prosecution requires sufficient evidence. He said, “Before a person is taken to court, the investigators and prosecutors have to establish that the available evidence supports charges.” He noted that quick arrests help secure documents and prevent interference, and have created deterrence in other districts.
On questions about SHACU’s independence while working closely with Minister Barugahara, Isoke defended joint action. He said, “While independence of institutions, including SHACU, may be important, it is not a primary concern, because fighting corruption calls for joint effort from all stakeholders.” The campaign has so far covered several regions and is now in Bunyoro, targeting Kiryandongo, Masindi, Buliisa, Hoima and Hoima City, with inspections of health centres, roads, schools and wealth creation programmes.
