Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, was left unimpressed when his fellow events promoter, Bajjo (real name Alfonse Mukasa), interrupted him during a media address.
Barugahara and Bajjo have shared a longstanding friendship, often engaging in playful banter both online and offline. However, it appears Bajjo failed to recognise that his friend’s new government role requires a degree of decorum in certain settings.
While addressing the press, Bajjo stood beside him and began shouting about unrelated topics, an act that visibly angered Barugahara. Unable to contain his frustration, the minister walked away, leaving no doubt about his displeasure.
Although Barugahara has spent much of his career as a businessman, he was appointed a minister in March 2024. Despite this new role, he hasn’t completely shed his casual personality—partly because his work requires close interaction with young people, and he remains actively involved in his various youth-oriented businesses.
Who is Balaam Barugahara?
Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi was born on 28 July 1979 to the late Eng. David Balaam Byenkya Akiiki and Gladesi Byenkya Abwooli. He is an alumnus of Namasagali College, St. John Bosco Senior Secondary School, and Progressive Senior Secondary School (Bweyogerere).
He later attended Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree (majoring in Marketing), followed by a Master of Business Administration at Cavendish University.
On 21 February 2023, Barugahara was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate in Humanity from Zoe Life Theological College, USA, in recognition of his contributions to improving the lives of Ugandans.
Barugahara is a prominent entrepreneur with ownership in several companies, including Original Best Water Company (South Sudan), Radio One (South Sudan’s first privately owned media house, established in 2009), Balaam Marketing Agency, Radio 4 (Kampala), Radio 7 (Masindi), and Radio 8 (Masaka and the Elgon Region).
Beyond media, he has diverse interests spanning real estate, farming, manufacturing, tourism, and car rentals.
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