Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has criticised district local government leaders for failing to tackle corruption in their areas, saying they should not leave the responsibility to the Local Government Minister, Balaam Barugahara. Musasizi made the remarks while presiding over the conclusion of a three-day induction programme for Kabale District councillors and technical staff at Kabale District Rukiiko Hall, on Thursday.
His comments follow Barugahara’s announcement of plans to visit Kabale, Rukiga, Rubanda and Kisoro districts to mobilise local leaders and technical staff to implement President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to expose and eliminate corruption.
In a notification dated October 7, 2026, and addressed to the chief administrative officers of the four districts, Barugahara said he would hold one-day engagements with district leaders, technical staff and other key stakeholders. According to the schedule, the meetings will take place in Kisoro on October 20, Rubanda on October 21, Kabale on October 22 and Rukiga on October 23.
Musasizi questioned why district leaders had failed to use the existing administrative and security structures to identify and address corruption. He cited the offices of the Resident District Commissioner, District Internal Security Officer, district chairperson, local council leaders and Parish Internal Security Officers as institutions expected to support the fight against corruption.
Musasizi said Barugahara’s intervention was a sign that local leaders had failed to fulfil their oversight responsibilities, adding that when government officials failed to perform their duties, others had to step in. He urged the chief administrative officers and other accounting officers to comply with government guidelines, submit quarterly reports on time and maintain budget discipline and accountability to avoid falling foul of anti-corruption investigations.
Meanwhile, Musasizi dismissed claims that the government planned to impose a 40 per cent Pay As You Earn tax on district councillors’ allowances. The concern had been raised by Kabale District Chairperson Denis Nzeirwe, who argued that the 250,000 Shillings ex-gratia payment received by councillors was already inadequate given the demands of their work. Nzeirwe warned that additional taxation would further reduce the amount available to councillors.
Musasizi said the claim about a 40 per cent tax was unsubstantiated, explaining that the rate applied to individuals earning Shillings 10 million and above. However, he acknowledged concerns about the remuneration of elected local government leaders, saying the government was considering possible improvements in subsequent financial years.
Meanwhile, Ndorwa West Member of Parliament Naturinda Eliab Mporera said Greater Kabale MPs had resolved to work together to address the region’s development needs, setting aside religious, tribal and other differences that had previously created divisions among leaders, particularly during the election period.
“We are now focused on service delivery for the people who elected us into power. Therefore, I call upon each of you to join us in ensuring that we serve the needs of our people and transform our region together,” he said.
A total of 36 councillors representing the 15 sub-counties in Kabale District, alongside technical staff, participated in the three-day induction. The training was facilitated by retired Grade One Magistrate Ben Duncan Sunday and other senior government officials.
Participants were trained in interpreting and applying key government documents, including the Local Governments Act and the Rules of Procedure, which guide the operations, responsibilities and decision-making processes of district councils-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
