Three members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Youth Executive Committee in Ibanda District have been arrested over allegations of embezzling Shs 54 million intended to facilitate youth activities at the village level.
The suspects, identified as Marvin Mubangyizi (NRM Youth Chairperson for Ibanda), Edwin Kalema, and Nelson Akampa, were apprehended on Sunday evening following complaints from local youths about the missing funds.
According to officials, the money was part of a facilitation package sent by the NRM Central Executive Committee, meant to benefit all 606 villages in Ibanda District, with each village allocated Shs 90,000.
“We were shocked to discover that the entire sum of Shs 54 million, which was meant to empower our youth at the grassroots, ended up in the pockets of just five individuals,” said Innocent Atuhe, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Ibanda District, during a crisis meeting held on Sunday at the district headquarters.
The Assistant Ibanda Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Ibanda, Banjo Richard, confirmed the arrests and warned that the culprits must return the stolen funds within a week.
“We have handed them over to police, and investigations are ongoing. But let it be clear, they must refund this money within seven days or face the full force of the law,” Banjo said.
The arrests come in response to growing outrage among the youth in Ibanda, who demanded transparency and accountability from their leaders.
Many had been expecting the facilitation to support local initiatives and mobilization efforts in their respective villages.
Authorities have promised to follow the matter to its conclusion and ensure justice is served.
