The Minister for Local Government, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, has warned public officers facing interdiction not to return to their workplaces while investigations into alleged misconduct are still ongoing.

Balaam issued the warning while addressing the Busoga Subregion Local Government Budget Consultations for the Financial Year 2027/28 in Jinja City, where local government political leaders and technical officials were discussing priorities and challenges to inform the next national budget.

The minister said the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders provide a framework for handling public officers facing disciplinary proceedings and that stricter measures apply to officers whose interdiction period has ended while investigations into their cases remain incomplete.

His remarks come amid increased attention to accountability and management of public resources in Uganda's local governments.

Balaam also highlighted corruption as a continuing challenge within local governments, stressing the importance of stronger accountability systems and effective monitoring of government programmes.

He pointed to the remuneration of some key stakeholders, particularly political leaders at lower local government levels, as an issue that can affect their ability to effectively carry out oversight responsibilities.

The minister called for measures that can strengthen the capacity of local government leaders to monitor public programmes, expenditure and service delivery.

The emphasis on accountability comes as the government prepares the FY2027/28 budget, with local governments expected to identify their most pressing service-delivery needs and funding gaps.

The Ministry of Local Government has said the wider FY2027/28 consultation process is examining issues including staffing shortages, inadequate resources, road equipment, infrastructure maintenance and the need to ensure that public funds translate into services for communities.

The Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021 are the official framework governing public officers. The Ministry of Public Service states that public officers are bound by the Standing Orders and that they take precedence where there is a conflict with instructions issued by a ministry, department, agency or local government.

The rules therefore remain an important reference point in disciplinary and administrative matters involving public officers.

Balaam's warning signals that interdicted officers whose cases are still under investigation should not simply resume their duties because the initial interdiction period has elapsed.

The consultations in Busoga form part of the wider process of gathering views from local governments ahead of the FY2027/28 national budget.

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has issued the first Budget Call Circular for FY2027/28, marking the beginning of the formal budget preparation process for the financial year.

The consultations provide an opportunity for local government leaders and technical officers to highlight challenges affecting service delivery and propose priorities for government funding.

As the process continues, accountability, adequate resources and effective oversight are expected to remain important issues in determining how local government programmes are implemented.

Balaam's message was therefore delivered within a broader discussion about improving public-sector accountability and ensuring that resources allocated to local governments are properly managed and translated into better services for citizens.