“I know what people say about them. They are known to be outspoken, controversial and sometimes confrontational, but that is exactly why I appointed them,” Museveni said.
President Yoweri Museveni has finally explained his decision to appoint Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere to the Ministry of Local Government, saying the two were chosen because they are prepared to confront corruption and poor service delivery in local governments across the country.
Speaking during his address at the reading of the national budget at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, Museveni acknowledged that the appointments had generated debate among members of the public due to the reputation of the two ministers.
Without mincing words, the President described Balaam and Nameere as “cantankerous” and “quarrelsome,” but said those traits could be useful in tackling entrenched problems within the local government system.
“I know what people say about them. They are known to be outspoken, controversial and sometimes confrontational, but that is exactly why I appointed them,” Museveni said.
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The President noted that both Balaam, the Minister of Local Government, and Nameere, the State Minister for Local Government, have built public profiles marked by unorthodox behavior, controversial social media posts and blunt commentary on national issues.
However, Museveni said he was not concerned by their unconventional style, arguing that Uganda’s local governments require leaders who are willing to challenge complacency, expose corruption and demand accountability from public officials.
“We need people who are not afraid to ask hard questions and shake up systems that are not working. Corruption and poor service delivery cannot be fought by timid leaders,” he said.
The President expressed confidence that the two ministers would help strengthen supervision of local governments and improve the delivery of services to wananchi.
Their appointments have attracted mixed reactions from the public, with supporters praising their energy and willingness to speak out, while critics have questioned whether their outspoken nature could create unnecessary friction within government structures.
Despite the criticism, Museveni maintained that performance rather than public perception would ultimately determine the success of the two ministers in their new roles.
Balaam and Nameere were recently appointed to lead the Ministry of Local Government as part of a broader government effort to improve accountability, efficiency and service delivery at the grassroots level.