Bulambuli County Member of Parliament, Hon. Biara Emmanuel Wephukulu, has called for greater coordination within the Ugandan government. He questioned directives emerging from the ongoing "Expose the Corrupt" campaign led by Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. Biara cited inconsistencies in communication regarding contributions collected by government-aided schools. The campaign aims to expose abuse of government programs and funds, as well as poor service delivery in local governments.
According to Biara, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni gave guidance during the August National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus meeting. The President advised that schools could continue collecting approved contributions to supplement learners' needs until the next financial year. Biara said this position was also reflected in the resolutions of the Parliamentary Caucus, chaired by Government Chief Whip, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng. Official accounts confirm that education was among the strategic sectors discussed by President Museveni and legislators.
Biara expressed concerns over the emergence of directives that appear to differ from the President's guidance. He asked whether the government is moving as one united entity or working in isolation. The MP emphasized that the central issue should be how to adequately finance public education. He argued that current government funding remains insufficient for the day-to-day needs of many schools. Biara suggested that the government should strengthen capitation grants.
The Ministry of Local Government recently reported that Balaam visited Bududa Secondary School following allegations of illegal school fees. Parents had agreed to contribute Shs50,000 each toward a stalled school project. The school also faced a staffing gap, resulting in privately paid teachers. Balaam reiterated the government's position on free education in government-aided schools and warned against extorting parents.
Balaam's "Expose the Corrupt in Local Government" campaign has investigated allegations involving government funds, absenteeism, public projects, and service delivery. The campaign has resulted in arrests and investigations in several districts. In Tororo, Balaam ordered the arrest of several officials over allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and mismanagement of government funds.
Biara did not oppose efforts to fight corruption but called for coordination within the government. He suggested that education policy decisions should involve consultation between relevant institutions, including the Ministry of Education and Sports, Parliament, and other government agencies. According to Biara, schools need adequate resources to provide essential services to learners.
The disagreement highlights a broader policy challenge: how the government can maintain accessible public education while ensuring adequate funding. Biara urged government leaders to uphold unity, consultation, and responsible leadership. He warned that disagreements in communication could create uncertainty among school administrators, parents, and learners.
Key points
- Hon. Biara Emmanuel Wephukulu questions directives on school contributions
- The "Expose the Corrupt" campaign targets alleged corruption and misuse of public resources
- The government faces a policy challenge in maintaining accessible public education with adequate funding
