Authorities in Mbarara City North Division have uncovered irregularities in the government’s Emyooga program, after it emerged that at least ten ghost SACCOs received shs 320 million in public funds.
According to Jackline Kankunda, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Mbarara City North Division, investigations revealed that out of the 18 Emyooga SACCOs registered in the division, only eight are active, while the rest are non-existent but were still allocated government money.
“We were shocked to find out that ghost SACCOs received over shs 320 million shillings. These groups don’t exist, yet they benefited, and we are now tracing both the money and the individuals who posed as their leaders,” Kankunda said.
She accused some technocrats at Mbarara City Council of negligence and corruption during the disbursement process, noting that officials in the office of the commercial officer failed to conduct due diligence.
“Some of these officials demanded kickbacks, while others looked away as public funds were misused. What is even more disturbing is that some beneficiaries wrongly believed this money was a presidential handshake and not a revolving fund meant to empower communities,” she added.
Kankunda revealed that vulnerable groups were among the most affected.
“The funds for the PWDs’ SACCO were taken by people who are not disabled. This is outright abuse of a program designed to uplift those in need,” she said.
The RCC also singled out the Leaders’ SACCO, which reportedly embezzled shs 50 million and has since disappeared. “They have no offices, no projects, and no trace of accountability. They simply vanished with the money,” Kankunda lamented.
Other ghost SACCOs that received funding include those registered under women, boda-boda riders, mechanics, artists, carpenters, and fishermen, with each allegedly pocketing at least shs 30 million without putting it to the intended use.
Kankunda vowed that her office, working with security agencies, would ensure accountability and recovery of the funds.
