Museveni Defends Appointment of ‘Quarrelsome’ Ministers to Tackle Corruption in Local Government
Kampala, Uganda – During the presentation of Uganda’s FY 2026/27 national budget at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni robustly defended his decision to appoint outspoken figures Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi as Minister of Local Government and Hon. Justine Nameere as State Minister for Local Government, citing their confrontational styles as essential weapons against entrenched corruption at the local level.
In remarks that drew laughter from lawmakers and have since gone viral on X, Museveni stated: “I have put to Local Government people, whom some describe as cantankerous and quarrelsome, like Balaam and Justine Nameere. Nameere is famous for quarrelling, so you go and quarrel with those people.” He emphasized that their reputations for being tough and uncompromising make them ideal for confronting theft in key programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the pilfering of medicines in health centers.
Background on the Appointees
Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi: Previously serving in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (youth and children affairs), Balaam has a history of vocal advocacy. He has pledged to fast-track long-delayed local council elections, crack down on corruption in district administrations (including recruitment scandals and procurement irregularities), and improve service delivery. Shortly after his appointment, he vowed aggressive action against graft and announced plans to rotate officers to break entrenched corruption networks.
Hon. Justine Nameere Nsubuga: The Masaka City Woman MP and former presidential advisor has built a reputation for being forthright. She has already launched initiatives against corruption, including efforts targeting the alleged sale of jobs in districts and theft of government drugs. Nameere has committed to equal application of the law, tackling land injustices, and ensuring resources reach intended beneficiaries.
Budget Context
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi presented the Shs84.3 trillion budget, which projects 10.2% economic growth driven largely by the start of commercial oil production. Key allocations include:
· Health: Shs5.23 trillion
· Education: Shs6.66 trillion
· Security: Shs10.21 trillion
Significant investments are also planned in wealth creation pillars such as agro-industrialization, tourism, and broader human capital development. The economy grew by 6.4% last year, reaching $69.3 billion, and the new budget is dedicated to empowering youth wealth creators with a strong emphasis on implementation and accountability.
President Museveni used the occasion to stress that fighting corruption in local governments is critical to the success of these programs. He highlighted that resources meant for grassroots development must not be diverted.
Reactions and Expectations
The appointments and Museveni’s candid remarks have sparked widespread discussion on X and in Ugandan media. Supporters view the move as a pragmatic step to inject energy and accountability into a sector plagued by graft allegations. Critics and analysts note the challenges ahead, given the scale of issues in local governments, but many see potential in the ministers’ known tenacity.
Balaam and Nameere have both welcomed the roles and outlined ambitious anti-corruption agendas, including stricter oversight, better procurement practices, and closer monitoring of service delivery.
This story continues to trend on X, with Ugandans debating the effectiveness of “quarrelsome” leadership in governance. As the new ministers settle into their roles, expectations are high that their confrontational approach will yield tangible improvements in local service delivery and resource management.
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