NOT THE BEST! Baryomunsi Breaks Ranks With Balaam, Rejects Arrest-First Anti-Corruption Approach

Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has publicly distanced himself from Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara’s arrest-led approach to fighting corruption, saying he prefers solving problems through supportive supervision rather than immediate arrests.Speaking during an interview on UBC TV, Baryomunsi said his inspections are aimed at identifying weaknesses, understanding their causes and improving service delivery.

He cited his recent visit to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where he chose not to order the arrest of absentee health workers despite public pressure.While acknowledging that arrests may be necessary where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing, the minister stressed they should not be the primary objective of government inspections.

His remarks come as Balaam Barugahara and State Minister Justine Nameere continue carrying out surprise inspections across the country, leading to arrests over alleged absenteeism, payroll fraud, misuse of public funds and poor service delivery.Baryomunsi maintained that fighting corruption requires accountability, but said lasting change will come from strengthening systems and addressing the root causes of failures rather than relying mainly on punishment.