A surprise inspection by Local Government Minister Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has uncovered suspected ghost pupils, ghost workers, and widespread absenteeism in Mbale District, exposing practices that could be costing taxpayers millions while denying communities vital public services.
The inspection, conducted under the government’s “Kisanja End Corruption in Local Government” and “Expose the Corrupt” campaigns, began at Naiku Primary School. Although official records show an enrollment of 1,352 pupils, a physical headcount found only 705 learners in attendance.
The discrepancy has raised concerns that government capitation grants may be based on inflated enrollment figures, with estimates suggesting more than UGX 14 million could be lost each school term at the school alone.
The minister later visited Naiku Health Centre III, where only three of the 19 health workers on the government payroll were on duty by 10:00 a.m. Investigators also uncovered suspected ghost workers at the facility, while further checks identified additional ghost employees at Bubuku Primary School.
Hon. Barugahara said absenteeism and payroll fraud not only waste public money but also leave children without quality education and patients without the healthcare they deserve. He ordered immediate investigations and directed that all ghost workers be removed from the government payroll.
The minister said the nationwide accountability drive will continue as the government intensifies efforts to eliminate corruption, improve service delivery, and ensure public resources directly benefit ordinary Ugandans.
