Minister Balaam Uncovers Rampant Corruption in Ibanda Courts and Police

State Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara brought his anti-corruption oversight campaign to Ibanda District, uncovering severe institutional graft that leaves vulnerable residents unable to access justice. Hundreds of locals gathered at the Kibubura Integrated Playground to voice complaints about systemic bribery, extortion, and compromised service delivery across police stations and local courts.

Presenting findings during the baraza, Minister Balaam detailed how marginalized citizens face steep hurdles in the justice system. The report implicated Ibanda Chief Magistrate Agnes Nantawo and Deputy RDC Suleiman Walugembe Jjuko in manipulating cases, specifically pointing to the release of habitual livestock thieves involved in stealing dozens of cattle and sheep. Additional judicial officers, including Grade One Magistrates Edith Tushabe and Fred Mutabazi, faced accusations of accepting bribes, lenient sentencing, and granting improper bail to notorious criminals operating across the region.

The police and state attorney offices were similarly accused of file tampering, taking bribes, and releasing suspects without recording statements. Local residents shared testimonies of police officers deleting CCTV footage related to major robberies and demanding large sums of money to pursue investigation files. District recruitment processes also drew fierce criticism, with several citizens alleging that jobs were routinely sold to the highest bidder rather than qualified applicants.

Beyond the judiciary and law enforcement, the forum exposed illicit mining operations causing environmental degradation within the Kasyoha Kitomi Forest Reserve, illegal fees charged for national identity cards by NIRA officials, and chronic water supply failures by NWSC despite hefty monthly billing. In response to the overwhelming evidence, the minister ordered immediate police action and the interdiction of implicated individuals. Read the full account at the Daily Monitor.