Kampala – The Minister of State for Microfinance, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has issued a two-week ultimatum to address the mismanagement of funds in Lubaga Division. This comes after several leaders of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) were arrested for allegedly embezzling funds meant for the "Emyooga" program, a government initiative aimed at poverty alleviation.
Kasolo made these remarks during a meeting at the Lubaga Resident City Commissioner (RCC) office, chaired by Henry Kitambula. The meeting was convened to address concerns about the misuse of Emyooga funds and the delayed distribution of resources to beneficiaries.
The Minister directed the RCC to ensure that those involved in the mismanagement of funds are apprehended and held accountable. He also revealed that his office has developed a comprehensive plan to track and expose individuals misusing Emyooga funds, with the help of media platforms.
John Bosco Bashinyora, the Town Clerk of Lubaga Division, informed the Minister that Lubaga is one of the divisions in Kampala facing significant challenges in the implementation of the Emyooga program. He assured the Minister that the government is committed to ensuring that the funds are distributed effectively and that leaders will be held accountable for their actions.
However, Abdalla Kitata, the NRM Chairperson for Lubaga Division, disputed the Town Clerk's statements, arguing that the majority of residents have not received the Emyooga funds. He highlighted the existing challenges and urged the Minister to investigate why many beneficiaries are yet to access the funds.
The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including local leaders, President's representatives on Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM), Moses Byaruhanga, and Hajjat Mariam Namayanja.
Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, the President's representative on Emyooga and PDM for Kampala, acknowledged that while some beneficiaries have not received the funds, many others have. She attributed the delays to ongoing investigations by State House officials to ensure transparency and accountability.
The leaders at the meeting emphasized their support for government programs and their loyalty to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the NRM, citing the government's efforts to improve service delivery and eradicate poverty.
Several SACCOs under the Emyooga program were represented at the meeting, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the funds they have received. They also received guidance on how to effectively utilize the resources to improve their livelihoods and escape poverty.
This development comes as President Museveni prepares to inspect various projects in Buganda to assess the progress of government initiatives, including the Emyooga program and the Parish Development Model, ensuring that they are effectively benefiting the people.
