national 19 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Minister Balaam Orders Arrests in Tororo Over Corruption Allegations
Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has ordered the arrest of several Tororo District officials suspected of corruption, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement, particularly concerning the Parish Development Model and ghost workers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/minister-balaam-orders-arrest-of-tororo-officials-over-corruption-5601140
Minister for Local Government, Mr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has initiated a crackdown on alleged corruption within Tororo District, ordering the arrest of multiple officials. This action stems from preliminary findings during his nationwide “Expose the Corrupt in Local Government” tour.
Investigations in Tororo have reportedly uncovered significant irregularities, including issues with the Parish Development Model (PDM), payroll fraud involving phantom employees in health and education sectors, and the misappropriation of road and water funds. The minister expressed dismay upon discovering discrepancies between official payrolls and actual staff presence, as well as inflated pupil numbers in schools apparently to inflate capitation grant claims.
Residents have also lodged complaints regarding the PDM, alleging that local committee members demanded bribes from beneficiaries of the Shs1 million revolving fund. Minister Balaam has previously issued warnings, giving officials involved in PDM extortion 15 days to refund the money or face legal consequences.
“We cannot permit a few corrupt elements to undermine the President’s wealth creation initiatives. Those implicated in PDM theft and the creation of ghost workers will be apprehended,” stated Minister Balaam. He has instructed the Resident District Commissioner, District Police Commander, and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to ensure all fugitives are apprehended, provide statements, and that their cases are forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
Among those arrested are the district inspector of schools, a physical planner, a community development officer, and the procurement officer, alongside other implicated individuals. An audit of district road funds has also been ordered following reports of shoddy work being superficially covered up prior to the minister’s visit. More arrests are anticipated before the minister concludes his tour in the district, where a public baraza is scheduled.