Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara has ordered the closure of the Kabale District Local Government registry and the deployment of security personnel following allegations that officials under investigation planned to destroy records linked to corruption probes.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara has ordered the closure of the Kabale District Local Government registry and the deployment of security personnel following allegations that officials under investigation planned to burn the facility to destroy evidence.
Addressing journalists at Kabale Central Market in Kabale Municipality, Barugahara claimed that the implicated officials had held a secret meeting at Kabalega Resort Hotel in Hoima District, where they allegedly plotted to set fire to the district registry and the office of the District Education Officer.
“The plan was aimed at destroying files containing evidence of alleged financial irregularities and frustrating ongoing corruption investigations,” Balaam said.
The directive comes days after the minister submitted a list of 36 Kabale District officials to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation over allegations of corruption, nepotism, abuse of office and mismanagement of public funds.
Those named include former Chief Administrative Officer John Asiimwe, Chief Finance Officer Amon Akampumuza, District Education Officer Moses Tumwijukye Bwengye, Natural Resources Officer Henry Tumwesigye, and Principal Human Resource Officer Jacinta Tushabomwe.
Others are Senior ICT Officer Tobias Habaasa, District Engineer Januario Bagamuhunda, Senior Human Resource Officer Bright Akampurira, Procurement Officer Alex Turinawe, Assistant Water Engineer Barham Akanyijuka and District Biostatistician Benon Kwitonda.
The indictment also includes Senior Assistant Mechanical Engineer Jude Tusiime, Senior Assistant Secretary and Clerk to Council Loyce Asiimwe, Conservation Officer Grace Aheise, District Accountant Adison Fat Biryomumeisho, former Buranga Primary School teacher Phionah Orishaba, and Inspector of Schools Drake Kisheija.
Others are Parish Chief Gergina Karungi, Assistant Secretary Edith Tukamushaba, Senior Assistant Secretary at Katuna Town Council Enos Akandinda, Acting Senior Accountant Collins Ainembabazi and Internal Auditor Denis Maviri.
The list also includes District Senior Forestry Officer Benjamin Ariyo, Principal Town Agent at Katuna Barbara Atuheire, Acting Assistant Town Clerk Kevin Ainebyoona, Forestry Officer Boaz Niwarimpa, Inspector of Schools Turinawe C., and Senior Assistant at Kibuga Town Council Milton Rwamastone.
Others are Principal Inspector of Schools Wilberforce Nabaasa, Staff Surveyor Prosper Ahimbisibwe, Environmental Officer Allan Akampurira, District Production Officer Beda Mwebesa, Principal Agricultural Officer Deus Baguma, District Agricultural Engineer Paulino Ndyabanoha, Senior Engineer Levi Turyahikayo and Rubaya Sub-county Chief Ivan Mugayehwenki.
Balaam said he had obtained minutes of the alleged meeting, adding that members of his undercover team had attended the gathering.
He further alleged that the group planned to poison cows belonging to Kabale District LC5 Chairperson Denis Ndyomugyenyi Nzeirwe at his farm in Kamuganguzi Sub-county, Ndorwa West.
He also claimed that the alleged plot involved poisoning people suspected of leaking information about the investigations, including the chairperson.
Balaam said his contact with Nzeirwe had been limited to official engagements, including a district accountability and anti-corruption meeting, where intelligence gathered by his team helped expose alleged wrongdoing.
The District Chief Administrative Officer, Robert Mugabe, confirmed that the registry had been closed, saying the minister had instructed staff to vacate the premises and directed him to purchase a new padlock to secure the office.
Mugabe said both the registry and the education department had been placed under tight security pending the conclusion of investigations.
Kabale District LC5 Chairperson Nzeirwe said the developments could implicate officials already facing investigations. He added that the district was prepared to resist any attempts by individuals or groups to destabilise its operations.
The alleged arson and poisoning plots had not been independently established at the time of publication. The allegations against the named officials also remain subject to investigation.