SACCO Officials Charged in 3.6B Teachers’ money Fraud
Kampala. Mutesasira Evans Kaganizo, Chairperson of the Uganda Liberal Teachers’ Union Members SACCO, and businessman Esiingwa Hassan Maganda were Thursday arraigned at Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court today on charges of obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy to defraud UGX 1.35 billion.
The case, prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions follows a joint investigation by State House Anti-Corruption Court and the Criminal Investigations Directorate.
The defendants are accused of misappropriating UGX 3.6 billion from a UGX 20 billion presidential grant intended to bolster teachers’ welfare through SACCOs. Prosecutors allege that upon receiving funds, Kaganizo and SACCO Secretary Twinomujuni Nathan Kakson (still at large) diverted money to purchase land in Kiira Municipality (UGX 1.3 billion) and 500 unidentified acres in Kabwoya, Kyangwali (UGX 2.75 billion), alongside vehicles worth UGX 250 million. A UGX 1.35 billion installment for the Kabwoya land was reportedly transferred to Maganda’s account on December 16, 2024.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi remanded the suspects until March 19, 2025, pending further investigations. Efforts to apprehend remaining suspects, including Kakson.
Prosecutors confirmed charges under Uganda’s Penal Code, which carry severe penalties if convicted. The case highlights SH-ACU’s resilience to safeguarding public funds, as the it vows stricter oversight of SACCO operations.
The court adjourned with orders to expedite inquiries, while the accused’s lawyers declined immediate comment. Teachers’ unions have called for urgent audits of all SACCOs benefiting from the presidential initiative.
