By Moses Andama
www.mknewslink.com
In Masindi—
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has ordered the interdiction of eight civil servants from Masindi District and Masindi Municipality to pave the way for investigations into alleged negligence of duty, abuse of office and mismanagement of public resources.
The directive follows a visit to Masindi by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, on October 7, 2026, during which he ordered the arrest and interdiction of several local government officials over alleged corruption and abuse of office.
In a letter dated October 14, 2026, addressed to Samuel Kaija Ruhweza, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Masindi District, and Paul Omoko, the Town Clerk of Masindi Municipality, Kumamanya cited concerns raised during a meeting with local government leaders.
According to the letter, the meeting identified allegations of gross negligence of duty, abuse of office, mismanagement of public resources and possible financial impropriety involving the officials.
“These issues have significantly compromised service delivery in both local governments,” the letter stated.
The three officials from Masindi Municipality named in the directive are municipal engineer Eng. John Kasaija, Municipal Health Officer Godfrey Mirimo and Supervisor of Works Robert Magezi.
The five officials from Masindi District are Patience Ayesiga, the Community Development Officer for Kimengo Sub-county; Alfred Ochen, the Acting District Engineer and Water Officer; Angela Nyandera, the Secretary to the District Service Commission; Fred David Ssebuguzi, the former Acting Production Officer; and Sunday Joseph, the Supervisor of Works.
Kumamanya directed the CAO and the Town Clerk to interdict the officials immediately to allow investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SACHU) and other relevant government agencies.
“Accordingly, it has been decided that the above-mentioned officers be interdicted to pave the way for investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SACHU) and other relevant government agencies,” the letter stated.
The letter further instructed the two accounting officers to implement the directive in accordance with Section F-s 14 of the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, as cited in the communication.
The interdictions follow Barugahara’s October 7 visit to Masindi, during which he ordered the arrest and interdiction of 12 civil servants from the district and municipality over various allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
Among those he singled out were Sam Peter Ayebale, the Principal Education Officer, and Benjamin Byarugaba, the former Chairperson of the District Service Commission.
Barugahara accused Byarugaba of causing financial losses to the government during his tenure at the commission by mishandling recruitment exercises, which allegedly resulted in funds being returned to the central government.
The minister also alleged that some officials had extorted money from employees and frustrated staff promotions by demanding payments.
He further ordered the arrest of Brian Magara, the Town Agent for Kijunjubwa Town Council, over allegations that he had extorted Shs100,000 from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Barugahara also directed the arrest of Moses Kalyegira, the District Commercial Officer, whom he accused of colluding with an individual to purchase land belonging to Akumulikire Farmers Cooperative, where squatters were reportedly living.
The minister additionally questioned Kalyegira’s supervision of Emyooga savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOs) in the district.
“I am ordering his arrest for also failing to supervise Emyooga SACCOs. How can the district have 54 Emyooga SACCOs, with 21 inactive, even after receiving money?” Barugahara asked.
The minister also directed that Daniel Kasala, the former Town Clerk of Masindi Municipality, be recalled to account for his alleged role in authorizing the construction of the municipal administration block without following proper procurement procedures.
“I want this Town Clerk to be recalled from wherever he is. I want Town Clerk Kasala and Municipal Engineer Kasaija to account for the Shs383 million so far spent on this project,” Barugahara said.
George Ochanga, the PDM SACCO Chairperson for Kimanya Parish in Nyantonzi Sub-county, was also targeted for arrest over allegations of extorting money from PDM beneficiaries.
During the October 7 meeting with district and municipal leaders at the district chambers, Barugahara also raised concerns about the alleged inflation of pupil enrolment figures in several primary schools.
Monica Kiiza, the Acting District Education Officer, reportedly admitted to inflating pupil numbers at some schools.
The figures presented indicated that enrolment had been inflated by 207 pupils at Kinkingura Primary School, 16 at Kinyara Primary School and 142 at St Mary’s Kyatiri Primary School.
However, the minister said Kiiza had been pardoned after admitting the wrongdoing, while warning her against repeating the practice.
“The District Education Officer should stop this. We have forgiven her because it is not as extensive as in other areas, but this should be the last warning,” Barugahara warned.
Kaija, the Masindi District CAO, confirmed receiving the Permanent Secretary’s letter and said he expected to take action within a day or two.
Omoko, the Town Clerk of Masindi Municipality, said he had not yet officially received the communication but was prepared to act once it reached his office.
“I haven’t received it officially, but it is what I am waiting for so that action can be taken. Immediately I receive it, action will be taken,” Omoko said.
