Former Ntungamo Municipality MP Yona Musinguzi has reportedly revealed that he spent about Shs2 billion on his parliamentary campaign but still lost the seat, as Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara presses him to refund money President Yoweri Museveni donated to ghetto youths.
The controversy centres on at least Shs10 million reportedly donated by Museveni to support young people in Ntungamo Municipality. The funds were channelled through Presidential Advisor Peace Rugambwa and Musinguzi for distribution to the intended beneficiaries.
During a telephone conversation, Barugahara reportedly directed Musinguzi to refund the money within one week after concerns emerged that the intended beneficiaries had not received it.
Musinguzi reportedly acknowledged that the beneficiaries had not signed for the money, explaining that the transactions took place during the campaign period. He agreed to refund the funds within the deadline set by the minister.
Barugahara also called for proper arrangements to ensure the money reaches the intended youths in the presence of the Resident District Commissioner and the district LCV chairman.
During the conversation, Musinguzi reportedly disclosed that he had spent approximately Shs2 billion seeking re-election but failed to retain his parliamentary seat.
The former legislator contested on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket but lost to independent candidate Gerald Karuhanga, who reportedly garnered 3,967 votes against Musinguzi’s 2,824.
The reported Shs2 billion expenditure has drawn attention to the high cost of political campaigns in Uganda. However, the amount has not been independently verified, and questions remain about the handling of Museveni’s donation.
