The State Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, has rallied religious leaders in Rubanda District to preach against corruption.
Minister Musasizi made this appeal on Saturday while launching the Muko Kampala Community SACCO headquarters at Muko Catholic Parish in Muko Sub County, Rubanda District.
His call comes after the arrest of five Members of Parliament, including 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), alongside Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Trade, for the diversion of public resources.
Minister Musasizi highlighted the significant issue of fund diversion, noting that trillions of shillings are misappropriated annually.
He said proper utilisation of these funds would enhance services in health, education, and infrastructure, ensure civil servants are adequately paid, and foster overall national development.
The minister warned that arrests related to corruption will continue, extending to local governments, and emphasised that every Ugandan has a role in combating corruption.
He specifically called on religious leaders to join the President's campaign and educate their congregations on distinguishing right from wrong to eradicate corruption.
"Corruption undermines our efforts to achieve economic transformation," Musasizi said.
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"The government would use the stolen funds to improve health facilities, roads and schools but instead over thousands of money have been stolen."
Minister Musasizi also cautioned money lenders against imposing high-interest rates on borrowers.
He mentioned that the government is proposing new guidelines to cap interest rates charged by money lenders to six months.
"Those money lenders that charge high interest rates should know that it's uncalled for," he said.
Ndorwa East MP Wilfred Niwagaba advised SACCO leaders to adhere to the Cooperatives Society Act to ensure the sustainability of their SACCOs.
He also encouraged residents to embrace SACCO and bank services, which offer fair interest rates compared to money lenders.
"I want to call upon you people to embrace SACCOs and banks and stay away from money leaders,"Niwagaba said.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors for Muko Kampala Community SACCO, Eng Aloysius Kafeeza Biramahire, reported that the SACCO currently holds savings of over Shs70 million.
He said the SACCO offers an interest rate of 3 percent to individuals and 2 percent to groups, promoting rapid development in the area through quick emergency loans.
During the function, Shs41.6 million was raised to support the SACCO.
