The “Expose the Corrupt Operation”, led by Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara and his deputy Justine Nameere, has involved inspections of government projects across the region, with officials being asked to account for delays, incomplete works and alleged irregularities.
However, as the exercise progressed, some leaders who had joined the campaign to expose corruption found themselves facing questions involving officials within their own administrative and political circles.
In Bulambuli District, the inspection of Bulago Health Centre III raised concerns over the implementation of a Shs640 million project.
The minister’s team found discrepancies between reported progress and the physical state of the facility.
District Engineer Paul Walimbwa told the team that Ideal Merchant Ltd, which had been contracted at Shs400 million to complete the works, had received full payment despite concerns over the quality and completion of the project.
He said the supervising engineer, Gerald Zesan, who has since retired, certified the works as complete, allowing payment to be processed.
“The works were certified in my absence,” Walimbwa told the minister.
The contractor, identified as Wilbert, who had reportedly accompanied local leaders during the inspection, allegedly left the scene after the minister demanded explanations over the incomplete works.
Minister Balaam ordered investigations into the contractor and the retired engineer over the circumstances surrounding the certification and payment of the project.
The incident triggered heated exchanges among local leaders, with accusations and counter-accusations over whether some officials were attempting to shield individuals linked to the project.
The minister’s team later raised concerns about the influence of political connections in frustrating accountability efforts.
A similar situation emerged in Mbale District, where District Health Officer Dr Jonathan Wangisi was detained alongside other officials during the probe.
Wangisi is the husband of Mbale District Woman MP Miriam Mukhaye.
State Minister for Local Government Nameere criticised attempts by individuals with relatives in influential positions to seek intervention in corruption investigations.
“It is unfortunate that the spouse of a national leader is involved in corruption,” Namere said.
The ministers warned leaders against attempting to interfere with investigations involving their relatives, insisting that all suspects should face the law.
Beyond political relationships, the Bugisu investigations have also highlighted the challenges created by the technical complexity of local government administration.
Technical officials control key information required for effective oversight, including bills of quantities, procurement documents, payment records and project implementation reports.
Some local leaders argue that limited access to such information makes it difficult for elected representatives and communities to independently verify whether projects are being implemented according to approved standards.
The imbalance has created concerns that political leaders tasked with oversight often depend on the same technical officials they are expected to monitor.
Some leaders have also raised questions about whether elected officials possess enough technical knowledge to challenge decisions made by engineers, accountants and procurement officers.
The role of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) has also come under scrutiny during the accountability drive.
As representatives of the President at district level, RDCs are mandated to monitor government programmes, coordinate security matters and ensure proper utilisation of public resources.
Former Mbale Resident City Commissioner Rex Achilla and Kapchorwa RDC Stanley Bayole have previously argued that corruption networks can become deeply entrenched, making enforcement difficult.
Bayole has claimed that his efforts to raise concerns about issues within the Mbale health sector attracted resistance from some political actors, eventually leading to his transfer to Kapchorwa.
As the “Expose the Corrupt Operation” continues across Bugisu, the campaign is increasingly highlighting that the biggest accountability challenges may not only come from individuals misusing public resources, but also from the networks of influence surrounding local power structures.
Minister Balaam and his team are expected to return to Bugisu on Thursday to continue inspections and investigations.