By Peter Abanabasazi
The chairman of Buhaguzi Constituency Mechanics Saving and Credit Co-operative Society (SACCO), John Paul Mugabi who was arrested on Tuesday last week is still languishing in police custody after his relatives failed to raise sh15 million which he allegedly stole from the SACCO.
The suspect was arrested on the orders of Hajji Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, the state Minister for Microfinance for allegedly stealing Sh15 million from his SACCO.
The suspect Mugabi was in 2021 arrested together with the SACCO treasurer and Secretary Joshua Muhumuza after they allegedly connived and withdrew Shs21 million and shared it out without the knowledge of members.
It is alleged that Mugabi took Shs15.2 million and his two colleagues took the remaining balance. However they were released on police bond after they promised to pay back the money to the SACCO account.
Amlan Tumusiime, the Kikuube resident district commissioner says Mugabi’s accomplices paid back the money which they had taken but Mugabi stubbornly refused leading to his arrest last week.
Sources at Kikuube police station who preferred anonymity on Sunday told Spice FM that Mugabi was still being detained at Kikuube police station.
The sources explained that the Minister instructed police not to release the suspect until he pays the sh15 million. He noted that relatives of the suspect managed to raise Sh6 million but they were ordered to go and look for the balance of Sh9 million if they wanted the suspect to be released.
