Hon. Balaam Barugahare

Title: Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs

Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, commonly known as Balaam, is a Ugandan politician and businessman currently serving as the State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, specifically in charge of Children and Youth Affairs. He was appointed to this position by President Yoweri Museveni on March 21, 2024.

He Attended Namasagali School and St. John Bosco Senior Secondary School. Completed his Alevels at Original Progressive Senior Secondary School. Earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus on Marketing from Makerere University. Obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Marketing from Cavendish University.

Balaam is a successful entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio; he is the CEO of Balaam Group of Companies, which operates in Uganda and South Sudan. He founded Radio One in South Sudan, the first privately owned media house there, and several radio stations in Uganda including Radio4, Radio7, and Radio8. He is involved in real estate development, including a Fivestar hotel in Masindi commissioned by President Museveni in September 2022.

On February 21, 2023, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanity from Zoe Life Theological College in the USA for his contributions to improving the lives of Ugandans.

Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi embodies a blend of business acumen and political engagement, aiming to make significant impacts on youth and children’s welfare in Uganda.