The State Minister for Finance in charge of General Duties, Hon. Henry Musasizi, has expressed strong support for President Yoweri Museveni’s ongoing fight against corruption, emphasizing its critical importance for Uganda’s economic transformation.
Musasizi, who also serves as the Rubanda County East Member of Parliament, made these remarks during the official launch of the Muko Kampala Community SACCO and the opening of new offices at Muko Catholic Parish headquarters in Muko Sub County, Rubanda District, on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
In his address at the function, Minister Musasizi underscored the negative impact of corruption on the country’s progress. He says that the recent arrests of five Members of Parliament are a clear indication of the government’s determination to combat corruption at all levels.
The arrested MPs include 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), along with Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Trade accused of diverting public resources.
“Corruption undermines our efforts to achieve economic transformation. The misappropriation of public funds, which runs into trillions of shillings annually, deprives our citizens of essential services in health, education, and infrastructure,” Musasizi stated. He highlighted that proper utilization of these funds would significantly improve public services, fostering overall national development.
Minister Musasizi further called for a unified effort against corruption, urging religious leaders and other community leaders to take the lead in combating this vice. He applauded the Rubanda District Chairperson, Stephen Kasyaba, for setting an example by eliminating corrupt leaders at the district level.
Eng. Aloysius Kafeeza Biramahire, the Chairman of the Board of Governors for Muko Kampala Community SACCO, revealed that the SACCO currently holds savings of over 70 million shillings in the two months since its inception. He further stated that the SACCO offers an interest rate of 3 percent to individuals and 2 percent to groups, aiming to promote rapid development in the area through quick emergency loans, agriculture loans, and trade and business loans. He also reveals that the shares will serve as collateral for the members.
Preaching during the event, Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, Vicar General of Kabale Diocese, encouraged Christians to aspire and utilize the SACCO for saving, aiming to enhance their living standards.
The event also underscored the significance of community-based financial initiatives, with the presence of several dignitaries including Hon. Claire Mugumya, Woman MP for Isingiro District; Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, MP for Ndorwa County East; Stephen Kasyaba, Chairperson of Rubanda District; Sam Evidence Orikunda, Deputy RDC of Sheema; and Jacqueline Katabazi, aspiring Woman MP for Rubanda District.
Minister Musasizi praised the Muko Kampala Community SACCO for its role in promoting economic empowerment and improving the financial well-being of its members. He encouraged other communities to adopt similar initiatives to support grassroots development.
41.6 million shillings were raised during the function to support the SACCO
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