Senior Reporter
Robert Bariyo Barigye, the Commissioner for Cooperative Policy and Development at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, has refuted claims of financial mismanagement and fraud within the Rukiga Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) Limited as baseless and slanderous.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of Rukiga SACCO Limited held at their headquarters in Muhanga Town Council of Rukiga District, Barigye, who also serves as the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, stated that an independent forensic audit conducted late last year confirmed the safety of members’ savings, aside from some managerial concerns, which are being addressed.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rukiga SACCO Limited, Ivan Muhoozi, dismissed the allegations of financial mismanagement and fraud as rumors propagated by individuals with ill intent to tarnish the reputation of the SACCO.
Reports emerged last year that the Rukiga District Chief Administrative Officer, John Asiimwe, had written to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, alleging financial mismanagement and fraud within Rukiga SACCO Limited.
The purported letter, dated October 4th, 2023, suggested that an external audit report presented on September 27th, 2023, uncovered significant mismanagement of funds and alleged fraud committed by certain staff and board members. Among the concerns raised by Asiimwe were the alleged improper recruitment practices, including the appointments of the current SACCO General Manager and Internal Auditor.
