Police in Kabarole district, in coordination with the Microfinance center and district Commercial office, has recovered over eight million shillings from two Emyooga SAACos that was embezzled by some SAACO executive members.
five cited in the embezzlement deal
In July 2022, five members of Emyooga SAACOs were arrested on accusations of embezzling funds. The incarcerated, include Julius Kato- the Chairperson of Burahya produce dealers Emyooga Saaco, Michael Katushabe the Treasurer, and Agnes Kengobi the Secretary who purportedly mismanaged 15.9million under their SAACO.
Other embezzlers included David MugumeTusiime the Chairperson Burahya People Living with Disability Emyooga Saaco, his treasurer Pankarasio Magambo and a One Katiikiro who all mismanaged 4.9m shillings.
In his speech during a meeting held at Busoro Sub County headquarters yesterday, the Kabarole RDC Festus Bandeeba, said that they have recovered all the 4.9m shillings from Burahya People Living with Disabilities and 2.7m from the produce dealers.
According to Bandeeba, the money will be banked on their accounts and condemned the financial indiscipline in the management of this government money by SAACO members saying this was a seed and revolving capital that was aimed at eradicating poverty.
Meanwhile, The Micro Finance Support Center (MSC) has resolved to embark on sensitization and training of SAACO members at parish level to deter embezzlement and mismanagement of government funds due to ignorance.
Mr. Mbowa Emmanuel the Regional Manager (MSC) says the trainings will focus on financial capacity building to enable members get knowledge on the usage of funds.
DPC Kabarole SP Francis Kyesimira, has warned all members of Savings and Credit Associations against tempering with, mismanagement, and embezzlement of government funds sent into their associations saying police is very ready to arrest them.
Christine Kengonzi, the Senior Commercial Officer Kabarole district, encourages people to always do away with taking government money for granted citing many taking it as gratuity fund [Kasiimo] among others.
