Politics 19 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Minister Nameere Defends Public Confrontations in Anti-Corruption Drive
State Minister for Local Government, Justine Nameere, has asserted that her public confrontations and filming of corruption suspects are legally sound and evidence-based. She argues the operations, conducted with security agencies, aim to recover stolen funds and complete stalled projects for public benefit. Source: https://observer.ug/news/minister-nameere-defends-public-confrontation-of-corruption-suspects
State Minister for Local Government, Justine Nameere, is standing by her method of publicly confronting and filming individuals suspected of corruption. She maintains that these operations are not arbitrary but are grounded in extensive investigations and credible intelligence, ensuring that no laws are violated.
During a recent visit to the Acholi sub-region, Minister Nameere stated that the anti-corruption crackdown employs verified information gathered by technical experts and security agencies, including the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and Military Intelligence. She emphasized that arrests are made only when accompanied by complete case files ready for prosecution, with some suspects already facing court proceedings.
Nameere dismissed claims that these public exposures constitute ‘trial by media.’ She explained that the government’s strategy also focuses on ensuring the completion of public projects that have been stalled or compromised due to corruption. “If money meant for a road was stolen, we shall arrest the culprit but also return to the community and complete the road,” she stated, highlighting a commitment to rectifying project damages even as legal processes unfold.
The minister also addressed concerns regarding the legality of broadcasting these confrontations. She asserted that no law explicitly prohibits the public exposure of corruption suspects, though she acknowledged the constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
However, legal experts like Gulu-based lawyer Kelly Komakech have voiced concerns. Komakech argues that such public confrontations and directed arrests by ministers overstep their mandate and potentially infringe upon due process, as investigations should be handled by mandated institutions according to established legal procedures.
The government’s approach has garnered mixed reactions, with supporters commending the assertive stance against graft, while critics worry about the implications for the presumption of innocence.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)