Rukungiri Parish Chief Faces Charges of Forging SACCO Documents and Misappropriating Funds

Twesigomwe Justus, the Parish Chief of Kafunjo in Nyakishenyi Sub County, Rukungiri District, is confronting charges of forgery and abuse of office for his alleged involvement in misappropriating funds meant for a local Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO).

In late September, the Loans committee of the Parish SACCO approved a list of 75 individuals slated to receive funds. However, on the disbursal day, which occurred on Monday, November 20, 2023, the intended beneficiaries were shocked to discover that several names were missing from the list. To make matters worse, non-members, including civil servants, were mistakenly benefiting from the funds.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that out of the 75 approved members, only 11 actually received the funds. Surprisingly, 46 beneficiaries were from Kanungu and Rukiga Districts, and the funds designated for Kamusiime Vastina were redirected to the account of the Parish Chief, Twesigomwe Justus. Additionally, Twesigomwe forged the signatures of the SACCO Chairperson and secretary. Among the recipients was a secondary school teacher named Rubarema James, and some members alleged they were coerced into paying 50,000 shillings to ensure they benefited.

The SACCO Loans committee, under the leadership of Chairperson Tumukunde Polytazio, promptly reported the matter to the authorities. This led to Twesigomwe Justus being summoned and subsequently arrested at Rukungiri Central Police station. The case is currently under investigation and is documented under file SD REF 26/22/11/2023.

Tumukunde Polytazio has called for government intervention to discipline Twesigomwe Justus and recover the misused funds.

Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner, Steven Nsubuga Bewayo, has confirmed Twesigomwe Justus’ arrest and assured a thorough investigation into the matter. He has also cautioned other parish chiefs against engaging in such activities.