The State House Comptroller, Jane Barekye, has issued a stern warning to leaders of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub SACCOs against misappropriating funds, emphasising the importance of transparency and discipline in managing the financial resources allocated to them.
Speaking at a training session on proper fund management at the Karamoja Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Napak district, Barekye urged Sacco leaders to use the funds judiciously.
“If you manage these funds properly, President Museveni has promised to inject more into your Sacco,” she stated. The training brought together leaders and beneficiaries from the Karamoja, Sebei, and Teso sub-regions.
This nationwide sensitisation and training programme follows President Museveni’s recent allocation of Shs8.8 billion to Saccos under the skilling hubs across the country. Each Sacco received Shs50 million to provide start-up capital for beneficiaries’ enterprises.
Barekye stressed that the initiative’s success depends on responsible management.
“This is a permanent project if handled well. Open your eyes, money is money. Don’t misuse your authority. It’s criminal to allocate funds to non-trainees, and we shall arrest you if you do so,” she said.
Raymond Kamugisha, director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs, advised applicants to have a verifiable address to avoid complications.
“Save yourself from embarrassment and stress by doing the right thing,” he said.
The training was facilitated by Joseph Lutalo from the ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, and Abdallah Aziz Apat from Post Bank.
Beneficiaries of the skilling hubs expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the opportunities provided. Rose Isangu, a trainee from the Karamoja Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub, said she now runs a bakery in Serere town employing four workers and saving Shs450,000 monthly.
“My parents couldn’t afford my school fees, and I dropped out in Senior 5. Through a friend, I learned about the skilling hubs, applied, and was recruited. After a six-month course and Shs10 million start-up capital from the President, I started my business,” she said.
Jacob Awe, from the Teso Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub, also owns a bakery in Soroti City, employing two workers and saving Shs500,000 monthly.
“Life was tough before joining the skilling hub, but now I can support my family. I urge women not to wait for handouts but to join these hubs and acquire skills,” he said, also thanking the President for the Shs50 million Sacco support.
Gerrison Opio, a former welding and metal fabrication trainee from the Teso hub, who now owns a workshop in Abim district with three employees, said he had never imagined he would be someone important, but now he secures contracts.
“As chairperson of the Teso SACCO, I am grateful for the Shs50 million, which will help us work together for development,” he said.
