Nambooze’s Committee Declines Minister Balaam’s Invitation to Join Anti-Corruption Exercise

The Committee on Public Service and Local Government, chaired by Betty Nambooze, has declined an invitation from the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, to participate in his Anti-Corruption and Accountability Exercise in selected local governments, citing the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Chairperson Betty Nambooze said members appreciated the minister’s efforts in fighting corruption but resolved that participating in the Executive-led exercise could compromise Parliament’s oversight role.

“We commend the minister and his team for the hands-on approach they have taken in the fight against corruption. However, as a committee, we must uphold the principle of separation of powers. Joining the Executive in activities we are expected to oversee could affect our independence,” Nambooze said.

She added that the committee is already handling a heavy workload and that sending more than 40 MPs and over 20 technical staff to accompany the minister would have significant financial implications and disrupt the committee’s approved programme.

Instead, the committee resolved to invite Minister Balaam to appear before it to brief members on the anti-corruption exercise and explore ways of harmonizing efforts while respecting the constitutional roles of the Executive and Parliament.

Nambooze also said the committee wants the minister to explain the status of District Public Accounts Committees, whose reports are supposed to be submitted to Parliament through the Ministry of Local Government for consideration by the committee. She noted concerns that the reports have not been tabled and that many district committees face operational and facilitation challenges.

According to the minister’s invitation, the Anti-Corruption and Accountability Exercise is intended to assess service delivery, monitor the implementation of government programmes, promote accountability, and identify corruption and financial mismanagement in local governments. It is scheduled to take place in Masaka City, Masaka District, Ssembabule District, and Rakai District.