Summary:
- Minister Musasizi warned that arrests related to corruption will continue, extending to local governments, and emphasized that every Ugandan has a role in combating corruption.
RUBANDA: Minister of Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi has urged religious leaders in Rubanda District to preach against corruption.
Minister Musasizi made this appeal on Saturday while launching the Muko Kampala Community SACCO headquarters at Muko Catholic Parish in Muko Sub County, Rubanda District. His call comes after the arrest of five Members of Parliament, including Sissy Namujju (MP for Lwengo District), Michael Mawanda (MP for Igara East), Mudimi Wamakuyu (MP for Elgon County), and Paul Akamba (MP for Busiki County), alongside Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Trade, for the diversion of public resources.
Minister Musasizi highlighted the significant issue of fund diversion, noting that trillions of shillings are misappropriated annually. He stressed that proper utilization of these funds would enhance services in health, education, and infrastructure, ensure civil servants are adequately paid, and foster overall national development.
Minister Musasizi warned that arrests related to corruption will continue, extending to local governments, and emphasized that every Ugandan has a role in combating corruption. He specifically called on religious leaders to join the President’s campaign and educate their congregations on distinguishing right from wrong to eradicate corruption.
CUE IN MINISTER MUSASIZI…….ON CORRUPTION…….RR/ENG//
Minister Musasizi also cautioned money lenders against imposing high-interest rates on borrowers. He mentioned that the government is proposing new guidelines to cap interest rates charged by money lenders to six months.
CUE IN MINISTER MUSASIZI…..ON MONEY LENDERS…….RR/ENG//
Ndorwa East Member of Parliament, Wilfred Niwagaba, advised SACCO leaders to adhere to the Cooperatives Society Act to ensure the sustainability of their SACCOs. He also encouraged residents to embrace SACCO and bank services, which offer fair interest rates compared to money lenders.
CUE IN NIWAGABA…..ON LAWS……….RR//
Rubanda District LC5 Chairman, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, pledged the district’s commitment through the Microfinance Support Center to train leaders on proper cash book management. The Kabale Diocese Vicar General, Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, urged Christians to have dreams and use the SACCO to embrace saving, thereby improving their living standards.
CUE IN KASYABA AND VIANNEY……..ON SACCO……..RR//
Jacqueline Katabazi, the Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament hopeful, purchased 10 shares in the SACCO and encouraged residents to support and open accounts in the SACCO to facilitate its growth and service to the area.
“The Muko Kampala Community SACCO is a great example of how we can work together to promote financial inclusion and stability for our people. I urge all members to take advantage of this opportunity and save for their families’ future”. Ms Katabazi stated.
CUE IN KATABAZI…..ON SACCO……..RR//
The Chairman of the Board of Governors for Muko Kampala Community SACCO, Eng. Aloysius Kafeeza Biramahire, reported that the SACCO currently holds savings of over 70 million shillings. He stated that the SACCO offers an interest rate of 3 percent to individuals and 2 percent to groups, promoting rapid development in the area through quick emergency loans. During the function, 41.6 million shillings were raised to support the SACCO.
