Police in Nansana Municipality have arrested 11 members of a Savings and Credit Cooperative (Sacco) for mechanics over allegations of mismanaging more than Shs200 million that was intended to support the development and welfare of mechanics in the area.
The suspects, led by their chairperson Kassim Kasasa, were picked up following an investigation into the alleged diversion and misuse of funds that had been disbursed under a government-supported programme aimed at uplifting mechanics operating within Nansana Municipality.
According to authorities, the arrests followed findings from the Presidential Advisor on monitoring government projects, Yiga Kisakyamukama, who has been conducting inspections into the implementation of various state-funded initiatives across the country.
Kisakyamukama said preliminary investigations indicated that funds meant to benefit all registered mechanics under the Sacco were instead allegedly mismanaged by a small group of individuals entrusted with leadership roles.
“These funds were meant to help mechanics improve their livelihoods and grow their businesses, but we have discovered serious irregularities in how the money was handled,” Kisakyamukama said.
He warned that government would not tolerate the misuse of public resources, especially funds targeting economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
“We are sending a strong warning to anyone who thinks they can play around with government money. You will be arrested, prosecuted, and your property will be auctioned to recover the stolen funds so that the rightful beneficiaries can benefit,” he added.
Local leaders and mechanics in the area have welcomed the arrests, saying they hope the move will lead to accountability and eventual recovery of the funds.
One mechanic, who requested anonymity, said the alleged mismanagement had frustrated many beneficiaries who had expected support to improve their workshops and purchase better tools.
“We were told this money would help us grow our businesses, but up to now many of us have not received any assistance,” he said.
Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and more arrests could follow as authorities seek to establish the full extent of the alleged financial mismanagement.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court on charges related to embezzlement and abuse of office, as efforts continue to trace and recover the allegedly misappropriated funds.