Drama unfolded during a high-level government meeting in Masaka City after Senior Minister for Local Government Hon. Balaam Barugahara publicly confronted State Minister for Local Government Hon. Justine Nameere Nsubuga over what appeared to be repeated interruptions during the proceedings.
The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed Balaam becoming visibly frustrated as Nameere attempted to speak while he was addressing officials, local leaders and other stakeholders who had gathered for the meeting.
In the video, Balaam is heard firmly asking his colleague to allow him to continue with his address, insisting that the meeting should follow the order that had already been established.
“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,” Balaam told Nameere.
The strong remarks immediately attracted attention from those present, with some attendees appearing surprised by the public exchange between the two government officials.
Balaam, who was leading the government delegation, stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and proper coordination during official meetings, especially when senior leaders are addressing public concerns.
He reminded participants that the meeting had a specific programme and that every person would be given an opportunity to contribute at the appropriate time.
The exchange happened in the presence of district leaders, government officials, community members and journalists who had attended the Masaka engagement.
After the brief confrontation, Balaam proceeded with the meeting and continued addressing issues affecting local governments and service delivery in the region.
The incident has since generated widespread debate among Ugandans, with many discussing questions of leadership style, respect among government officials and how disagreements should be handled in public forums.
The Masaka meeting was part of a wider government engagement aimed at assessing challenges affecting local administrations and finding solutions to improve service delivery.
During the meeting, officials discussed several issues affecting communities, including accountability, implementation of government programmes and the coordination of local government activities.
One of the key matters raised during the engagement involved complaints surrounding coffee seedlings supplied to farmers in the area.
The coffee seedling issue had attracted public attention after some stakeholders raised concerns over alleged delays, disagreements and payment challenges involving suppliers and local authorities.
Nameere had previously been involved in efforts to mediate some of the disputes between affected parties and help find solutions to the challenges facing farmers.
However, Balaam’s public criticism during the meeting has led some observers to question whether there are differences between the two ministers regarding leadership approaches and coordination.
Some political observers argued that Balaam’s reaction was simply meant to restore order and ensure that the meeting remained focused on addressing important government matters.
Others suggested that the public exchange highlighted possible tensions within government structures, especially because the disagreement happened during a highly publicised meeting.
Despite the disagreement, the meeting continued as planned, with officials going ahead to discuss issues affecting Masaka and other local government areas.
Balaam emphasized the need for teamwork, discipline and respect among leaders, saying proper coordination is necessary for government programmes to succeed.
The moment between the two ministers has continued to attract reactions from citizens, political commentators and social media users who have shared different opinions about the incident.
Both Balaam and Nameere remain involved in government efforts aimed at strengthening local administration and improving the delivery of services to Ugandans.
