In a shocking turn of events, the Secretary of the Uganda Liberal Teacher’s Union Members SACCO, Twinomujuni Nathan, has been arrested and arraigned before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court on serious charges of obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy to defraud over UGX 1.35 Billion. This marks a significant moment in a larger corruption scandal involving misappropriated funds meant to improve the welfare of teachers across the country.
Twinomujuni is not alone in this fraudulent scheme. He joins two co-accused: Mutesasira Evans Kaganizo, the Chairperson of the SACCO, and Esiingwa Hassan Maganda, a businessman and director of Hansem Technical Services Limited. The trio stands accused of embezzling over UGX 3.6 Billion, part of the UGX 20 Billion allocated by His Excellency the President to support the welfare of teachers through SACCOs.
The scandal has shaken the educational community and raised serious concerns about the management of funds that were supposed to benefit Uganda’s teachers. Upon receiving the funds, the SACCO leadership, including Twinomujuni and Kaganizo, embarked on questionable activities that have now come under scrutiny. The money was supposed to be used for teachers’ welfare projects, but instead, it was used to fund private ventures.
Among the major expenditures were the purchase of land in Kiira Municipality for UGX 1.3 Billion, the acquisition of 500 acres of land in Kabwoya, Kyangwali, Kikuube District for UGX 2.75 Billion, and the purchase of motor vehicles worth over UGX 250 Million. The land deal in Kikuube was especially suspicious, as it involved a payment of UGX 1.35 Billion made to the account of Hassan Maganda on 16 December, 2024, for land that was not properly identified or documented.
This scandal paints a grim picture of corruption within a sector that is supposed to be focused on uplifting the lives of teachers. What is even more troubling is that many concerned citizens had no idea that such large sums of money were being misused, while teachers continued to struggle with poor working conditions and low salaries.
The case has sparked outrage across the country, with many questioning the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure that public funds are used appropriately. The accused have been remanded in custody until 3rd September 2025, as investigations continue. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and transparency in the management of funds meant for public welfare.
While the legal process unfolds, citizens are watching closely, hoping that this case will not be another example of corruption going unpunished. The teachers’ welfare fund, which was intended to support those who educate the nation’s children, has instead become the latest example of how public funds can be exploited for personal gain. The hope now is that justice will prevail and that those responsible for this scandal will be held accountable for their actions.
