Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara has issued a strong call for tougher anti-corruption measures and tighter accountability systems in local governments, arguing that the misuse of public resources is crippling service delivery nationwide. Speaking while opening the Financial Year 2027/28 Programme Conditional Grants negotiations between the central government and local governments in Kampala, Balaam warned that every shilling lost to corruption is money that cannot build classrooms, support health facilities, maintain roads, provide clean water or strengthen productive communities. He cited poorly constructed facilities and inadequate sanitation infrastructure as clear examples of how weak oversight and graft undermine government programmes. The Minister urged local government leaders to strengthen procurement controls, financial management, monitoring, verification and accountability mechanisms. He also called for greater involvement of communities, journalists and local leaders in tracking government projects so that citizens know what is being implemented in their areas and can hold officials to account. Balaam specifically warned officials against bypassing established systems, referencing an incident in Mbarara where a town clerk allegedly took over procurement and payment functions after sidelining the procurement officer. He said such practices expose local governments to the abuse of public resources. The remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing nationwide anti-corruption campaign led by the Minister and State Minister Justine Nameere. The drive has so far resulted in the interdiction, arrest or investigation of scores of local government officials across multiple districts over allegations ranging from ghost workers and inflated contracts to diversion of road funds, Parish Development Model resources and other public monies. Balaam challenged local governments to raise own-source revenue collections and prioritise capital development and agro-processing programmes capable of improving citizens’ livelihoods. While the campaign has drawn praise for spotlighting accountability gaps, its long-term success will depend on sustained investigations, successful prosecutions and systemic reforms that make the theft of public funds both difficult and costly. King Musah Media will continue following the anti-corruption efforts in local governments.