Uganda’s Museveni Orders Anti-Corruption Crackdown as Regional Energy Deals Advance
President directs MPs to tackle health sector graft and PDM fund diversion, while separate court cases emerge and Tanzania visit yields major investment pact
President Yoweri Museveni has ordered ruling party lawmakers to take decisive action against corruption in Uganda’s health sector and Parish Development Model (PDM) program, as the government simultaneously pursues multiple anti-graft cases and advances regional energy cooperation with Tanzania.
Museveni’s Directives to NRM Caucus
At an August 7 meeting held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Museveni directed the NRM Parliamentary Caucus to address systemic issues including medicine theft, health worker absenteeism, diversion of PDM funds, and the selling of government jobs. The President shared concerns he gathered from citizens during recent campaigns and urged MPs to closely monitor programs to ensure they deliver tangible benefits to Ugandans.
Museveni specifically praised Ministers Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere for their grassroots anti-corruption efforts, which have included surprise inspections leading to arrests in districts such as Isingiro and Masaka. The President called on legislators to emulate the ministers’ bold approach and maintain vigilance over government programs.
Acting Clerk Arraigned in Anti-Corruption Court
In a parallel development, Kurobe Samuel, acting town clerk of Luwa Town Council, appeared before Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court on Friday facing charges of abuse of office. The case involves allegations that approximately UGX 40 million was reportedly spent on land that cost only UGX 12 million, supported by what authorities describe as a forged agreement.
Local Government Minister Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi ordered the interdiction of dozens of officials across districts including Isingiro, Buhweju, and Mbarara City as part of the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt” campaign. The State House Anti-Corruption Agency has recommended these actions to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government to facilitate independent investigations.
The crackdown aims to protect public resources and ensure accountability in administrations that impact everyday Ugandans, with authorities emphasizing that due process will be followed throughout the proceedings.
Museveni’s Tanzania Visit Secures Energy Investment
Meanwhile, President Museveni traveled to Tanzania on August 5 at the invitation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan for a two-day working visit focused on trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, security, and regional integration.
During the visit, leaders witnessed a significant memorandum signing between the Uganda National Oil Company, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, and Vitol Bahrain to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub. The project, which builds on the existing East African Crude Oil Pipeline framework, could potentially attract over $20 billion in investments and aims to enhance refining capacity, storage infrastructure, and logistics for improved regional energy security.
This marks Museveni’s second trip to Tanzania this year, underscoring the strengthening ties between the two nations founded on common history, Pan-African ideals, and a shared commitment to regional development.
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