Staff Reporter
Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, has called upon religious leaders in Rubanda District to advocate against corruption. This appeal was made on Saturday during the inauguration of the Muko Kampala Community SACCO headquarters at Muko Catholic Parish in Muko Sub County, Rubanda District. His plea follows the recent arrest of five Members of Parliament, including Sissy Namujju (MP for Lwengo District), Michael Mawanda (MP for Igara East), Mudimi Wamakuyu (MP for Elgon County), and Paul Akamba (MP for Busiki County), as well as Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Trade, for diverting public resources.
Minister Musasizi emphasized the severe problem of fund misappropriation, pointing out that trillions of shillings are lost annually. He argued that proper use of these funds would significantly improve services in health, education, and infrastructure, ensure adequate payment for civil servants, and promote overall national development. Musasizi warned that more arrests for corruption are forthcoming, extending to local governments, and asserted that every Ugandan has a role in fighting corruption. He specifically urged religious leaders to support the President’s campaign by educating their congregations on ethical behavior to eliminate corruption.
Additionally, Minister Musasizi warned money lenders against charging high interest rates, revealing that the government is proposing new regulations to cap these rates for six months.
Ndorwa East Member of Parliament, Wilfred Niwagaba, urged SACCO leaders to comply with the Cooperatives Society Act to ensure the sustainability of their SACCOs. He also encouraged residents to use SACCO and bank services, which offer lower interest rates than money lenders.
Rubanda District LC5 Chairman, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, committed to supporting the district through the Microfinance Support Center by training leaders in proper cash book management. The Kabale Diocese Vicar General, Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, encouraged Christians to embrace saving through the SACCO to improve their living standards.
Eng. Aloysius Kafeeza Biramahire, Chairman of the Board of Governors for Muko Kampala Community SACCO, reported that the SACCO has accumulated savings of over 70 million shillings, offering an interest rate of 3 percent to individuals and 2 percent to groups to promote rapid development through quick emergency loans. During the event, 41.6 million shillings were raised to support the SACCO.
