By Obbo Yusuf
Communities in Busoga East are preparing to welcome the Minister of Local government Balaam Barugahara, as he continues his nationwide anti-corruption mobilisation tour aimed at engaging citizens on how to fight corruption and demand accountability in government programmes.
The minister’s tour seeks to encourage communities to identify and report corruption, monitor government projects and ensure public resources are used for their intended purposes.
Iganga, regarded as the centre of Busoga, is among the districts where residents are expected to raise a number of concerns regarding service delivery, management of public resources and accountability.
The district has in recent years faced allegations involving the misuse of government funds, alleged sale of public assets and land, corruption in employment processes and other forms of abuse of public resources.
One of the latest cases involves the arrest of five officials in connection with the alleged illegal sale and titling of approximately 4.45 acres of land belonging to Nakalama Sub-county headquarters.
The arrests followed concerns raised over the management of the public land, with investigations expected to establish how the land was allegedly processed and whether public officials abused their offices.
For many residents, such cases have renewed debate about the need for stronger accountability mechanisms within local government.
Iganga has historically been viewed as a strong National Resistance Movement (NRM) support base, but the district has increasingly witnessed growing opposition political activity, with some residents attributing the shift to dissatisfaction over service delivery and governance.
Residents say that despite the NRM government implementing various programmes intended to improve livelihoods, corruption and poor implementation at local level continue to undermine some of the benefits reaching communities.
Iganga’s strategic location at the heart of Busoga also makes it a major commercial and administrative centre, attracting people from neighbouring districts for trade, employment, education and other activities.
The district’s large population, including a significant number of young people, presents both an opportunity and a challenge for government. Residents say unemployment, limited opportunities and crime remain among the issues requiring greater attention.
Iganga has also gained a reputation for criminal activity in some areas, prompting calls for increased investment in youth empowerment, employment and community policing.
As Minister Balaam engages communities, residents are expected to use the opportunity to highlight the challenges affecting service delivery and demand answers on how public resources are being managed.
The minister’s visit comes at a time when several accountability-related investigations are ongoing in the district.
For many residents, the key question will not only be whether corruption is exposed, but whether those found culpable will be held accountable and whether government programmes will translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary people.
With Iganga serving as a major gateway and commercial hub for Busoga East, stakeholders say effective governance and accountability in the district could have a wider impact across the region.
The anti-corruption tour therefore provides an opportunity for residents, local leaders and government officials to openly discuss the gaps in service delivery and explore practical ways of protecting public resources.
