Balaam Barugahara, Uganda’s Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, has strongly refuted the sexual assault accusations brought against him by prominent human rights activist, Nalongo Nana Mwafrika.
Speaking from his office on Wednesday, Balaam dismissed the claims as baseless and not worthy of his attention.
“How can I engage with someone like that? I can’t waste my time on her,” he said.
Balaam Barugahara further referred to prior controversial statements made by Mwafrika, such as her claim that she lost her uterus due to police brutality, yet later gave birth to twins.
He also raised doubts about the credibility of her allegations, pointing out that she had failed to specify a date for the alleged incident or report it to authorities at the time.
“She says I assaulted her, but she can’t even recall when it happened, nor did she report it to the police,” he remarked.
Balaam Barugahara further expressed skepticism regarding her motivations, noting that when asked what she wanted, she had said she sought to be “taken care of.” He questioned how she could expect help from someone she barely knew.
“You should remember, this is the same person who stripped naked in protest on the streets. I cannot take someone like that seriously,” he added.
![Balaam Barugahara](https://dailyspear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FB_IMG_17388218790449317.jpg)
The accusations first came to light on February 3, when Mwafrika shared a post on social media accusing Balaam and former Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Hon. Herbert Kabafunzaki, of sexual assault.
Mwafrika claimed that Balaam had invited her to a location under the pretext of needing food, only to sexually assault her upon her arrival.
Similarly, she accused Kabafunzaki of offering her a ride from Entebbe Airport, but instead taking her to a different location in Kitooro where he allegedly assaulted her.
![FB IMG 17388217595411435](https://dailyspear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FB_IMG_17388217595411435.jpg)
Mwafrika explained that her decision to publicly share her story was to help alleviate the burden of silence many women carry regarding sexual violence, urging others to come forward as well.
“Too many women suffer in silence due to the shame attached to sexual violence. I am choosing to release this burden and hope that others will find the courage to report such acts,” she posted.
Following advice from her supporters, Mwafrika later confirmed she had formally reported the incidents to Uganda Police.
“Yesterday, I reached out to the appropriate department at Uganda Police and provided all necessary details about my case. I am hopeful that this will lead to positive change for women and girls,” she shared.
The allegations have sparked mixed reactions across the public and social media. Some have rallied behind Mwafrika, calling for a thorough investigation, while others have cast doubt on the credibility of her claims, suggesting financial motives to damage the minister’s reputation.
Prominent human rights activist Dr. Stella Nyanzi publicly expressed her support for Mwafrika, reiterating the allegations and condemning the minister.
“Rapist Balaam is the Minister of Youth and Children. When my friend Mwafrika first confided in me about her assault by Balaam, I believed her. Now that she has gone public, I condemn him for what he has done,” she declared.