As speculation grows over who will survive the upcoming cabinet reshuffle, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara has made it clear that losing a government position would not affect his lifestyle or businesses.
President Yoweri Museveni earlier this week chaired the final cabinet meeting before the formal dissolution of cabinet ahead of his swearing-in for a seventh term. Attention has since shifted to who could be dropped or retained in the next cabinet.
Speaking during an interview with UBC, Balaam said he is not dependent on politics for survival, insisting that he was already financially successful before joining government.
“I don’t mind if I am not a minister or a Member of Parliament,” Balaam said confidently. “I am a successful businessman. I am not a millionaire; I am a billionaire.”
He said his private ventures continued operating successfully even after he became a minister, adding that he never stepped away from his companies.
“I became a minister when I was already a billionaire,” he explained. “Even when I am a minister, the companies are running. I never signed out of the companies.”
Balaam also defended his contribution to the economy, saying his businesses continue to meet all tax and statutory obligations, including PAYE, NSSF contributions, rental tax and import duties.
Over the years, Balaam has built a business empire spanning media, hospitality, real estate and distribution. He owns Original Best Water Company in South Sudan and founded Radio One South Sudan in 2009, the country’s first privately-owned media house.
He is also owns several Ugandan radio stations, including Radio4 Uganda, Radio7 in Masindi and Radio8 stations in Masaka. Balaam additionally serves as an MTN Uganda distributor in the Kigezi sub-region.
Beyond media, he has invested heavily in real estate and hospitality, with hotels in Kampala and South Sudan, including a five-star hotel in Masindi that was commissioned by President Museveni in September 2022.
