Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara has expressed frustration with Uganda’s fight against corruption, saying some suspects arrested over alleged misuse of public funds quickly hire strong lawyers and secure bail.“The corrupt are smart. They will run and get a good law firm to defend them,” Barugahara told Parliament’s Local Government Committee.He said some people arrested during anti-corruption operations did not spend even two weeks in Luzira Prison before being granted bail.Barugahara acknowledged that bail is part of the judicial process but said the quick release of suspects makes it difficult to send a strong deterrent message against corruption.
He also raised concerns over alleged misuse of funds in local governments, citing a Pakwach road project where he claimed about Shs900 million had been spent on a one-kilometre road after only about 10 metres of work had been completed.The minister said his ongoing inspection tours, together with State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere, are aimed at exposing mismanagement and ensuring government funds are properly used.However, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze urged government to strengthen district-level accountability systems, including public accounts committees and internal auditors, rather than relying mainly on ministerial inspections.Barugahara maintained that stronger action against corruption is necessary to protect taxpayers’ money and restore public confidence in government programmes.
