Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /usr/www/users/urnnet/a/story.php on line 43 RCC Gives MBACITA Chairperson Ultimatum to Account For UGX 100M :: Uganda Radionetwork
Moses Aruho, the deputy Mbarara Resident City Commissioner, revealed that his office received complaints from more than 35 youths who accused Mwijuka and MBACITA of soliciting money from them for a benchmarking trip to Taiwan, which never materialized.
The Mbarara Resident City Commissioner’s office has given Sezi
Mwijuka, the Chairperson of the Mbarara City Traders Association (MBACITA), a
two-week deadline to account for over 100 million Shillings obtained from
youth.
Moses Aruho, the deputy Mbarara Resident City Commissioner, revealed
that his office received complaints from more than 35 youths who accused Mwijuka
and MBACITA of soliciting money from them for a benchmarking trip to Taiwan,
which never materialized. The trip was originally scheduled for February of this
year.
//Cue in: “issues ezaretirwe omu…
Cue out:
…beirukagira omu office.”//
Aruho explained that some members of the MBACITA executive accused
their chairperson of a lack of transparency and accountability regarding the
association's funds totaling 100 million Shillings. James Abaasa, one of the
youths who paid 3 million Shillings to Mwijuka, stated that they repeatedly
asked him to either refund their money or fulfill his promise, but he avoided
them and refused to answer their calls.
Mwijuka had asked each youth to contribute 3.5 million Shillings
at the beginning of the year for travel expenses and accommodation during the
Taiwan trip. Aruho disclosed that Mwijuka was summoned multiple times to
explain the accusations against him but evaded these summons, leading to the
decision to not only suspend MBACITA's operations but also close its offices.
Furthermore, Mwijuka is accused of soliciting 3.5 million
shillings from Mbarara Central Market Fish Vendors, promising to negotiate with
the council regarding their ongoing dispute over rental fees. The fish vendors
have been refusing to pay these fees, alleging overcharging by the council.
//Cue in:
“Bagaruka bagyenda baaza…
Cue out:
…esente ezo zirisafe,”//
Assy Abirebe Tumwesigyire, the Mbarara city clerk, issued an
ultimatum to the Mbarara Central Market Fresh Fish Vendors to clear their
rental fees within one month or face eviction. The vendors, who pay a rental
fee of one hundred thousand shillings each, have been withholding payment for
the past twelve months due to affordability concerns.
When contacted, Mwijuka acknowledged receiving funds from both the
youth and the fish vendors and pledged to provide an account of the money.
These accusations have surfaced amidst a fundraising campaign led by Mwijuka to
purchase a firefighter truck, which has now been put on hold pending
investigations. Aruho added that the fundraising efforts will remain suspended
until the allegations against Mwijuka are thoroughly investigated and resolved.
