Events promoter Minister Balaam Barugahara was last night appointed the Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Youth and Children Affairs) by President Museveni. This was one of the surprises by the appointing authority in the cabinet reshuffle. Here are the facts you should know about him in a brief biography.
Apparently, Minister Balaam Barugahara is not a new face on the Ugandan scene, especially the entertainment sector. He was born on 28th July 1979 as Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi at Mbarara hospital in Mbarara. However, he’s a Munyoro and hails from Masindi.
His parents are known as Engineer David Balaam Byenkya Akiiki of Kijura, Masindi District, and Gladesi Byenkya Abwooli of Kalisizo District in Central Buganda. Sadly, his father passed in 1991 when Balaam was still very young.
He did his Advanced level from Namasagali Secondary School. He also attended St. John Bosco Senior Secondary School & Original Progressive Senior Secondary School.
Later, he joined Makerere University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and majored in marketing. He went ahead to pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration at Cavendish University where he was bestowed upon the title of Doctor (Dr).
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In terms of occupation, he identifies as an Events Promoter, Businessman, entrepreneur, and Investor. He has been in business since 1997 and currently he’s the president of the Uganda Entertainment Promoters.
Additionally, he’s a very wealthy man as he owns several businesses such as Original Best Water company which is based in South Sudan. Still, he has Radio One in South Sudan which is the first privately owned media house he began in 2009.
Furthermore, he is also the proprietor and Managing Director of Radio 4 (Uganda), Radio 7 (Masindi), Radio 8 (Masaka) and Radio 8 (Elgon region). On top of that, he’s the MTN Uganda distributor for the Kigezi sub region.
Additionally, Minister Balaam Baruhara is a Real Estate Developer who has hotels in Kampala and South Sudan. They include a 5 star Hotel in Masindi, which was commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni in September 2022.
Politically,he has very close ties to the first family. He has always been seen in circles of President Museveni and his son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. It was upon this that he landed the ministerial job. Besides, he’s also the vice president western region of Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s PLU movement
About his family, Minister Balaam Barugahara has four children. These are Benta Karuhanga Abwooli, Biden Kamusiime Amooti, Brennan Kamukama Akiiki and Bennette Tumusiime Amooti. Unfortunately, he lost his first-born son to cancer in 2013. Balaam’s father had 13 children of which he’s the fifth.
In regards to his role as the Minister, he’s pledged to work with the President for the interest of Ugandans. On top of that he said that this is a big boost for the entertainment industry.
Balaam’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 putting all his companies in consideration and the time he has spent being an events promoter. He has organised the most succefull shows in Uganda.
“I thank the father of the nation, President @KagutaMuseveni, for appointing me Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Youth and Children Affairs). I also congratulate all the other appointed members of Cabinet.” he stated in his appreciation tweet.
“The appointment is a vote of confidence in me on behalf of my first unit, MK Army, the MK Movement now Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Bunyoro, and the patriotic youth of Uganda” he ended after being appointed Minister.
