The Minister of Local Government Balaam Ateenyi has called for investigations into allegations that a journalist may be extorting members of the public in Jinja City and Jinja District.
In a statement, Ateenyi said his office had received reports concerning the alleged conduct, urging individuals with information or evidence to come forward and report the matter through established channels.
The minister said the allegations should be addressed through the appropriate authorities rather than handled outside formal investigative processes.
“I have received reports alleging that a journalist may be extorting members of the public in Jinja City and Jinja District,” Ateenyi said.
He encouraged members of the public who may have witnessed or experienced corruption, extortion, abuse of office or other forms of misconduct to provide evidence to relevant authorities.
According to Ateenyi, complaints can be submitted to the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig. Gen. Isoke.
Members of the public may also submit complaints to his Personal Assistant at the Ministry of Local Government, located on Level 2, or raise the matters directly with the minister when he visits their respective districts.
Ateenyi said the complaints would be treated confidentially and handled in accordance with established procedures.
“All complaints will be handled with confidentiality, impartiality and due process, and referred for appropriate investigation and management,” he said.
The minister did not identify the journalist named in the allegations, nor did he provide details of the specific incidents or the individuals allegedly affected.
The allegations therefore remain claims pending any formal investigation and findings by the relevant authorities.
Ateenyi said the public has a role to play in reporting suspected misconduct, particularly where individuals believe they have been subjected to extortion or abuse of office.
His call comes amid broader efforts by government institutions to encourage the reporting of corruption and other forms of misconduct through official channels.
The minister urged members of the public to help authorities expose wrongdoing and protect citizens from abuse, while emphasising that complaints should be subjected to confidentiality, impartiality and due process.