Editor
The authorities in Bushenyi District have initiated investigations into the operations and activities of five Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) due to suspicions of fraud and mismanagement.
According to Mr. Robert Atuhairwe, the Bushenyi District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), numerous reports of fraud and mismanagement have surfaced regarding SACCOs across the district. “We have already submitted several reports to the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives, notifying them of the ongoing mismanagement. We anticipate a positive response and hope they will dispatch a team of experts to conduct audits promptly,” Mr. Atuhairwe stated.
He further mentioned that it’s premature to divulge details about the other three SACCOs under investigation, apart from Bumbaire SACCO in Bumbaire sub-county and Ruharo Heifer SACCO in Central Division, Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality.
Ruharo Heifer Project SACCO was established by President Yoweri Museveni as a model project in Bushenyi District in 2003, after identifying Ruharo Parish as his model village.
Mr. Atuhairwe emphasized the importance of waiting for the Ministry to intervene to avoid jeopardizing the investigation process, stating that they cannot afford to stand by and witness the complete collapse of these SACCOs.
It’s worth noting that a week ago, five top officials of Bumbeire SACCO in Bushenyi District were apprehended on allegations of causing financial losses leading to the SACCO’s downfall. “The detained individuals include the General Manager, Adonia Nsheme Tushemereirwe, the former board chairman, Francis Nduru, and the branch managers,” said Mr. Marcial Tumusiime, the spokesperson for Greater Bushenyi Police.
