Two officials of Emyooga Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) have been remanded to prison after being charged with allegedly stealing more than sh100m meant to support beneficiaries of the government’s Emyooga programme in Entebbe Municipality.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working jointly with the Uganda Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), on Thursday arraigned Magombe Fred, Chairperson of the Veterans Emyooga SACCO, and Ecrus Zziwa Moses, Secretary of the Welders Emyooga SACCO, before the Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The two were charged with theft involving Emyooga funds and remanded until July 27, 2026, as investigations continue.
According to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the suspects are accused of mismanaging and stealing more than sh100m that had been allocated to support members of various Emyooga SACCOs in Entebbe Municipality.
Investigations indicate that between 2020 and 2025, the accused, together with other suspects who are still at large, allegedly diverted and mismanaged funds intended for several Emyooga SACCOs, including the Veterans, Welders, Tailors and Boda Boda SACCOs.
Prosecutors contend that the alleged diversion of the funds deprived intended beneficiaries of government seed capital designed to improve household incomes, expand small businesses and create employment opportunities.
The case stems from a directive issued by President Yoweri Museveni instructing the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate allegations surrounding the mismanagement of more than UGX 1 billion disbursed to Emyooga SACCOs in Entebbe Municipality.
The Emyooga Programme is a presidential wealth creation and job generation initiative that provides seed capital to organised enterprise groups to improve access to affordable financing and boost incomes.
The Anti-Corruption Unit said investigations into the alleged mismanagement are still ongoing and that additional arrests are expected. Authorities are also working with Entebbe Police to trace and recover the allegedly misappropriated funds.
The prosecution maintains that the investigations are intended to ensure accountability in the management of public funds and safeguard government programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of Ugandans.
