Balaam Interdicts 29 Kisoro Officials Over Ghost Schools and Shs 900 Million Theft

State Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara has ordered the interdiction of at least 29 officials across Kisoro District Local Government and Kisoro Municipality. The directive follows sweeping allegations of abuse of office, financial loss, and severe corruption uncovered during a regional anti-corruption campaign.

Among those targeted for interdiction and arrest is Kisoro Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) John Nyakahuma. Minister Barugahara accused Nyakahuma of colluding with other senior workers to facilitate financial crimes, naming Principal Assistant CAO Manase Rukundo as the incoming acting CAO.

The sweeping crackdown highlights alarming irregularities, including funds disbursed to non-existent institutions such as Nyakinama Primary School and Buhumbu Primary School. The minister also accused officials of falsely claiming full district funding for a classroom block at Gifumba Primary School, whereas parents provided the bulk of the materials and labor. Furthermore, investigators noted inflated enrollment figures in Universal Primary Education schools meant to siphon excess government capitation grants.

Financial mismanagement extended to development funds, with accusations that millions allocated under the Capital Development Fund and the Climate-Smart Agriculture Project were misappropriated. Job seekers also came forward, alleging that they were forced to pay heavy bribes ranging from Shs 4 million to Shs 10 million to secure public sector employment through the District Service Commission.

In Kisoro Municipality, top managers faced severe reprimands for allegedly selling public land belonging to Kisoro Government Hospital and former college grounds. The municipal leadership was also implicated in authorizing a private health facility that drew salaries for ghost workers over several years.

Barugahara instructed that the salaries of all interdicted personnel be withheld immediately and ordered them to report to police to record statements. He also disbanded the district land board, ordered the formation of an interim service commission, and continued his regional anti-corruption tour following recent crackdowns in Rubanda and Kabale districts.

Read the original story on The Observer.