A government meeting intended to address corruption concerns and administrative challenges in Masaka City took an unexpected turn after Senior Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara publicly reprimanded State Minister Justine Nameere Nsubuga during the proceedings.
The exchange, captured on video and widely shared on social media, unfolded as Barugahara addressed local leaders, government officials, residents and journalists gathered for the meeting. As Nameere attempted to contribute, Barugahara interrupted her and insisted that he be allowed to continue without interruption.
“Let me talk. I don’t like this. Please. Please. Not even today. I’m the one who has made this call. I already initiated. Please kindly, for once, respect the meeting,” Barugahara said, bringing the room to a brief silence.
He went on to stress the importance of maintaining order throughout the session and reminded attendees that he was leading the government delegation. The minister then redirected the discussion to the district leadership as the meeting resumed.
The Masaka meeting formed part of the Ministry of Local Government’s ongoing nationwide engagements aimed at addressing corruption allegations, improving service delivery and resolving administrative disputes affecting local governments.
One of the key issues under discussion involved disagreements over the supply of coffee seedlings to farmers. The matter has generated concern among residents following complaints about delayed payments and alleged irregularities involving local authorities and private contractors. Nameere had previously participated in efforts to mediate between suppliers and municipal officials seeking a resolution.
The public confrontation has since drawn widespread attention, with many Ugandans debating whether the minister’s intervention reflected decisive leadership or exposed tensions within the ministry’s leadership team.
Political observers say the incident has also renewed discussion about protocol, workplace professionalism and the chain of command during official government engagements. Others argue the disagreement may have been heightened by the fact that the meeting was held in Masaka, an area where Nameere has long maintained political influence.
Neither Barugahara nor Nameere had publicly commented further on the exchange following the circulation of the video. Meanwhile, attention has shifted back to whether the government’s anti-corruption drive and efforts to resolve the coffee seedlings dispute will produce tangible results for affected farmers and local communities
