MITOOMA — Government leaders and community stakeholders gathered at Rwakitandara Playground in Mitooma District this Saturday for a Baraza organized by the Hon. Minister for Local Government, Barugahara Balaam, where the fight against corruption and abuse of office took center stage.

The Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, who also serves as Area MP for Ruhinda North, addressed ben leaders, stakeholders, and a technical team from the Ministry of Local Government. He said the government is ready to work with Minister Balaam to root out graft across the country.

Speaking at the community engagement, the Deputy Speaker said the directive comes directly from the top.
“As directed by the President, His Excellency Y.K. Museveni, and PLU Chairman MK, we are ready to work with Hon. Minister Balaam and fight corruption and abuse of office across the country,” he told the gathering.

The Baraza, a traditional public forum used to bring government closer to the people, drew local council leaders, technical staff, and residents who presented concerns ranging from service delivery to accountability in local government programs.

In his remarks, the Rt. Hon. Tayebwa linked the success of the anti-corruption campaign to collective responsibility at all levels. While calling for tougher action against abuse of office by public officials, he also challenged community members to examine their own conduct.

“However,” he cautioned, “I ask the locals to be sensitive while addressing their challenges because the locals are also corrupt in their ways.”
He urged residents to shun bribery, extortion, and practices that undermine service delivery, saying sustainable change requires integrity from both leaders and citizens.

Minister Balaam, who hosted the Baraza, said the Ministry of Local Government will follow up on issues raised and work with district leadership to strengthen monitoring of government programs in Mitooma and beyond. Technical officers from the ministry were on hand to document concerns for further action.