Some critical services remain redundant and undelivered in Hoima City following the interdiction of technical officials by Balaam Barugahara, the local government minister, during his national “campaign to expose corruption in local government” in Bunyoro recently.

Balaam’s interdiction directive was later implemented by the Permanent Secretary (PS) on six city officers accused of negligence, abuse of office and possible financial impropriety. No deadline has been set for inquiries.

The six officials include Geoffrey Muhumuza, the city physical planner, Robert Byaruhanga, the city natural resources officer; Bonaventure Kiiza, the city engineer, Johnson Kusiima Baingana, the city education officer, Milton Asiimwe, the secretary to the City Service Commission and Caroline Nyamahunge, the inspector of schools.

Citing building and physical planning works, city officials noted that the interdiction of the city engineer and physical planning officers has affected service delivery on roads and other infrastructural development as the city prepares to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in 2027.

Speaking about the interdiction, deputy town clerk Jubilee Cornelius, said the interdiction has affected most activities of the building committee and physical planning committee.

He raised concerns about the city’s preparedness ahead of the AFCON.

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“It seems quite tough for us to operate without officers like engineers and physical planners who should be giving technical inputs at a time when we are preparing to host AFCON next year,” Jubilee said.

Edward Isingoma, the Mayor of Hoima City, said the directives issued by Balaam have left the city struggling to deliver services.

He added that the city has only one engineer, who has also been interdicted. He’s appealing to Members of Parliament to intervene and offer support.

“The whole city has only one engineer who was interdicted, and so this interdiction is seriously affecting service delivery, especially on roads across various parts of the city,” the Mayor told tndNews, Uganda.

According to MP for Hoima City West Division, Ismail Kasule, the interdiction came at a time when their technical inputs are most needed towards the development of the city.

The interdiction, he said, appears more focused on mobilising the public against public servants than addressing the underlying challenges affecting service delivery, citing a lack of thorough investigations before handling the matter.

“The interdictions are affecting the implementation of several AFCON-related projects in Hoima City, some of which require the technical input and intervention of the City Engineer,” Mayor Isingoma added.