Two leaders of Emyooga Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) in Entebbe Municipality have been arrested and charged over allegations of stealing and mismanaging government funds meant to support local communities.
The suspects, identified as Magombe Fred, the Chairperson of the Veterans Emyooga SACCO, and Ecrus Zziwa Moses, the Secretary of the Welders Emyooga SACCO, were arraigned before the Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court. They appeared in court following investigations by the Anti-Corruption Unit in partnership with the Uganda Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The two suspects were charged with offences related to the alleged theft and misuse of Emyooga funds amounting to more than UGX 100 million. Court remanded them until July 27, 2026, as investigations into the matter continue.
According to investigators, the funds were part of the government’s Emyooga Programme, an initiative designed to provide financial support and seed capital to organised groups of skilled Ugandans to help them start and expand income-generating activities.
Investigations indicate that between 2020 and 2025, the accused, together with other individuals who are yet to be arrested, allegedly diverted and mismanaged money that had been released to different Emyooga SACCOs in Entebbe Municipality.
The affected groups reportedly include the Veterans Emyooga SACCO, Welders Emyooga SACCO, Tailors Emyooga SACCO, and Boda Boda Emyooga SACCO. Authorities say the alleged misuse of funds prevented genuine beneficiaries from accessing financial support intended to improve their livelihoods and create employment opportunities.
The investigations began after a presidential directive instructed the Anti-Corruption Unit to examine reports of alleged mismanagement of more than UGX 1 billion that had been distributed to Emyooga SACCOs in Entebbe Municipality.
The Emyooga Programme was introduced as a government initiative aimed at fighting poverty by empowering organised groups through access to affordable capital. The programme targets different categories of skilled people, including artisans, transport operators, veterans, and other community groups.
The Anti-Corruption Unit said investigations are still ongoing and that more suspects could be arrested as authorities continue tracing the funds and identifying all individuals involved in the alleged mismanagement.
Authorities have also revealed that efforts are underway to recover any money that may have been lost. The Anti-Corruption Unit, working together with Entebbe Police and other government agencies, is determined to ensure that funds meant for community development are protected and returned where possible.
The case has renewed calls for stronger accountability in the management of government programmes, with officials warning that individuals entrusted with public resources will be held responsible if they misuse funds meant to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
