By Peter Abanabasazi
The chairman for Buhaguzi Constituency Mechanic’s Sacco has been arrested for Embezzlement of Emyooga funds.
The suspect identified as John Paul Mugabi is a resident of Kyangwali sub-county. He was picked up on Friday on the orders of the Kikuube District Resident Commissioner Amlan Tumusime following complaints of missing Sacco funds by the Sacco members.
It is alleged that the suspect directed the association treasurer and secretary to withdraw the Sh21m on the 16th of March, 2021, before they went to a lodge and shared the money.
According to Sacco members, Mugabi took Sh15m, gave his treasurer Sh3.6 million while the secretary got Sh3miilion. The secretary and treasurer then got the money and shared theirs with the association members.
The RDC says Mugabi used the Sh15m he stole to procure a new car for his personal use. He adds that security is searching for the car since Mugabi took it into hiding.
According to Tumusime, the Sh21m was meant to benefit six Emyooga Associations which include Bumbogo A&B Mechanics Association, Kidoma mechanics Association, Butole A & B mechanics Association and Kyangwali Mechanics association. But, only Bumbogo A and Kidoma where the SACCO treasurer and secretary belong got a share of the money.
During interrogation, Mugabi denied of taking Sh15.8 million and admitted that he took only sh11million. He says he invested the money in a business enterprise he did not specify.
Mugabi requested to get released so that he can go and sell his plot of land and other property to refund the money.