A former road safety officer in Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport has publicly challenged his interdiction, claiming it followed his outspoken stance against corruption within the government system.
Ronald Amanyire, who previously served in the ministry, said his suspension was carried out without a hearing and in violation of established public service procedures.
In a statement, he framed the action as retaliation for speaking out against entrenched corruption.
“Speaking out from inside a corrupt system comes at a personal cost,” Amanyire stated. “You lose opportunities, you lose allies, and sometimes you lose your place entirely. The price of truth is high, but the price of silence is national collapse.”
Amanyire alleged that the decision by the ministry’s leadership to interdict him disregarded the Public Service Standing Orders, raising concerns about adherence to due process within Uganda’s civil service.
His remarks have sparked debate about whistleblower protections and accountability mechanisms in public institutions.
Despite acknowledging the professional and financial strain caused by the interdiction, Amanyire maintained that he would not be silenced.
“If that is the price of integrity, I will wear it as a badge of honour,” he said, adding that the consequences, including loss of colleagues and income, were expected.
In an emotional reflection, Amanyire linked his resilience to personal experiences, including a prolonged struggle to secure medical care for his late son.
He suggested that challenges within the ministry extended beyond administrative disputes, pointing to deeper systemic issues.
“So believe me when I say this is not the hardest battle I’ve faced. Not even close. It will not stop me,” he stated.
The former official also called out key oversight institutions, including the Inspectorate of Government, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, urging them to examine their roles in addressing corruption.
“Silence and intimidation have allowed this cancer to permeate every part of our country,” he added.
The Ministry of Works and Transport had not issued an official response by the time of publication. Efforts to reach ministry officials for comment were ongoing.