Commissioner Barigye Rubishes Fraud Allegations against Rukiga SACCO.

By Sophan Niwamanya

The Commissioner for Cooperative Policy and Development at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Robert Bariyo Barigye, has described the allegations of financial mismanagement and frauds in Rukiga Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) Limited as false and malicious.

Speaking on Friday during the annual general meeting of Rukiga SACCO Limited, which was held at their head offices in Muhanga Town Council of Rukiga District, Barigye, who is also the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, said that a group of auditors who carried out a forensic report late last year, found out that the members savings were safe, apart from managerial issues, which are being handled.

The Chairman Board of Directors of Rukiga SACCO Limited, Ivan Muhoozi, said the rumors of financial mismanagement and frauds in the SACCO were spread by people whom he said were being used to tarnish the name of the SACCO.

Last year, the Rukiga District Chief Administrative Officer, John Asiimwe, reportedly wrote to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Permanent Secretary, over allegations of financial mismanagement and frauds in Rukiga SACCO Limited. The purported letter dated October 4th 2023, appears to indicate that a report presented by external auditors on September 27th 2023, disclosed gross mismanagement of funds and frauds that were allegedly committed by some staff and board members. Some of the issues Asiimwe reportedly presented to the Ministry, include; alleged improper recruitment of staff, including the current SACCO General Manager and Internal Auditor.