By URN
President Yoweri Museveni has directed Denis Hamson Obua, the Vice Chairperson of the NRM Party for Northern Uganda, to investigate suspected mismanagement of 50 million Shillings meant as startup loans for graduates of the presidential skilling hub from Maracha District.
The directive followed appeals from graduates of the industrial hub, who completed six months of training in various sectors, seeking startup kits and financial support to establish their workshops.
During the NRM presidential campaign at Nyadri Urban Secondary School in Maracha District on Tuesday, Tom Erejo, a graduate in shoe-making, acknowledged the program’s impact on his livelihood but highlighted the challenge of accessing startup capital.
President Museveni then questioned Maracha District leaders on the status of the funds sent by the government through State House under the skilling program.
Maracha Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Monica Koliba Kotevu, confirmed that a SACCO account had been created at Centenary Bank, Arua branch, and a sum of 50 million Shillings had been deposited. She explained that delays were due to preparations to ensure beneficiaries are ready to receive the funds.
Based on this, President Museveni instructed Denis Hamson Obua to follow up with the Bank branch, gather information on the SACCO funds, and publicly share findings with youths and stakeholders in the region via a radio station.
West Nile is one of 19 regions with operational presidential skilling hubs, including Ankole, Mubende, Bugisu, Karamoja, Acholi, West Nile, and Tooro. So far, 82 youths from Marachave graduated from the regional hub in Zombo District, but none have yet accessed the startup funds in their SACCO accounts.
