This Ugandan Pit Latrine Cost Shs73m to Construct — and It Has No Pit

Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has sparked fresh debate over public spending after revealing what he described as a government-funded latrine that allegedly cost taxpayers Shs73 million to construct despite having no pit.

In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, Barugahara said the structure was a symbol of the corruption and poor accountability that continue to undermine service delivery in local governments.

“To some brothers of mine who are not bothered by what is going on in our local governments and cities, this is a ‘pit latrine’ without a pit that cost taxpayers UGX 73 million. Is this the Uganda we want? This is unacceptable,” Barugahara said.

The minister said the alleged project demonstrated why his anti-corruption campaign, dubbed #ExposeTheCorrupt, would continue despite criticism.

“My brother Simon and others on X, this is exactly why the #ExposeTheCorrupt campaign must continue. No one will stop this train. There are still a few hours and days left for repentance,” he said.

Barugahara warned that public officials who steal government funds should expect to be publicly exposed, saying accountability was non-negotiable.

“When you steal public funds, you will be exposed publicly. If you hate humiliation, don’t tamper with or misuse public resources. Every shilling belongs to the people and must be used for its intended purpose.”

He added that the fight against corruption was aimed at improving infrastructure and restoring confidence in local government institutions.

“Let us improve our public infrastructure, strengthen service delivery, and restore accountability in local government,” he said.

The minister also praised security agencies and government officials whom he said had supported investigations under the campaign.

“I sincerely thank the DISOs of Mbale and Bulambuli, the CID officers, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the DPC Mbale, RPC Twalla, the DPC Bulambuli, the outgoing Deputy RDC of Bulambuli, the RDC of Mbale District, and all patriotic Ugandans led by our General Secretary, Hon. Twalla Fadhil, together with all the Area Members of Parliament for Mbale and Bulambuli, who have supported the #ExposeTheCorrupt campaign so far,” he said.

Barugahara further appealed to intelligence officers, Resident District Commissioners, security agencies and citizens across the country to join the anti-corruption drive.

“I also appeal to all staff in the Office of the President, ISO, Crime Intelligence officers, RDCs, and every patriotic Ugandan to join and support the #ExposeTheCorrupt movement. Together, let us protect taxpayers’ money, improve public infrastructure, and deliver the quality services our people deserve.”

Although the minister shared details of the alleged Shs73 million project, he did not immediately identify the government entity or officials responsible for the construction. His remarks nevertheless add to a growing anti-corruption campaign targeting alleged misuse of public funds in local governments, with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and other security agencies increasingly investigating projects suspected to have been inflated or fraudulently executed.

Meanwhile, Museveni has beefed up Minister Balaam Barugahara’s security as Local government corruption crackdown intensifies.