Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara has been named 2nd Runner-Up for the Unstoppable Minister African Award, an honor recognizing outstanding leadership across the continent.
The award was presented at the inaugural Unstoppable African Awards held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday, during the launch of The Africa Agenda Forum. The recognition followed a continent-wide and global public voting process.
Zimbabwe’s Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi was named Unstoppable African Minister of the Year 2026 while Kenya’s Minister for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku was first runner-up.
Expressing his appreciation, Barugahara said he is “deeply humbled and grateful” to everyone across Africa who voted for him.
In a statement following the announcement, Barugahara gave “all the glory and honour to Almighty God,” emphasizing that the recognition reflects a commitment to service and humility rather than personal accomplishment.
Drawing inspiration from Scripture, he quoted John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease” — to illustrate his philosophy on leadership.
“Just like John the Baptist, I do not want to take credit for what God has enabled me to accomplish. I am only an instrument in God’s hands,” he said.
Barugahara expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his “guidance, inspiration, mentorship, and belief in service to our country.”
He also extended his appreciation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, noting that the President’s “leadership and trust” created the opportunity for him to serve Uganda.
He dedicated the award to the people of Uganda, his government colleagues, ministry staff, local government leaders, and grassroots workers, adding: “This recognition belongs to you too.”
Reaffirming his commitment to his duties, Barugahara pledged to continue championing integrity, protecting public funds, and driving effective service delivery.
“We must ensure that every cent sent to our villages, parishes, sub-counties, towns, and districts is put to good use. Public resources must translate into better services and improved livelihoods for our people,” he stated.
He concluded by calling the accolade a mandate for greater effort rather than a moment to rest.
“This is not a reason to slow down, but a greater responsibility to serve,” Barugahara noted. “The glory belongs to God, the opportunity is a privilege, and the responsibility is to serve the people. Thank you, Africa! Thank you, Uganda. May God bless Africa and Uganda.”
