The heat is rising for corrupt officials in local governments after Uganda’s Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, issued one of his strongest warnings yet against the misuse of public funds.
Speaking as he outlined his plans for the ministry, Balaam said he intends to use what he described as a “drone” to track down those stealing government money and hand them over to the police. The minister's remarks were aimed at officials accused of diverting funds meant for ordinary Ugandans and government programmes.
The outspoken minister did not mince words.
He warned public servants and local government workers that the era of quietly eating taxpayers’ money is coming to an end.
“Eat government money knowing we will come for you,” Balaam cautioned, sending a strong message to anyone involved in corruption or misuse of public resources.
His comments come days after he also unveiled plans to shake up local governments through regular staff rotations, arguing that keeping officials in the same districts for many years has created networks of corruption and entrenched groups of individuals who operate like untouchable “small gods.”
Balaam has additionally proposed tighter monitoring of government workers through biometric attendance systems linked directly to ministry headquarters, a move intended to crack down on absenteeism and improve accountability.
The minister’s warning echoes the wider government campaign against the theft of public funds, particularly money intended for poverty-eradication programmes. Authorities have repeatedly vowed that officials found stealing such funds will face arrest and be forced to refund the money.
For now, Balaam’s message is loud and clear: anyone treating government coffers like a personal ATM should not expect a peaceful ride ahead. The minister says the hunt is on.