Gulu UWEP group under investigation over Shs 10.8mln fraud
GULU, October 13, 2023 – Ajanyi Kacel Watwero Produce Buying and Selling Association members are under investigation for allegedly fraudulently getting Shs 10.8 million under the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme [UWEP].
Ajanyi Kacel Watwero members reportedly broke away from from Ajany Can Deg Miny Group in Pagik parish in Paicho Sub-county in Gulu district before conniving with a district staff to withdraw money from the bank account of Ajany Can Deg Miny Group to the tune of Shs 10.8mln
Christopher Opio Ateker, the Gulu district LCV chairperson told this reporter that an investigation was launched after members of the Can Deg Miny Group complained that they were not getting money from their bank account, saying their powers to access the bank accounts had been moved to Kacel Watwero Produce Buying and Selling Association faction.
Opio said Kacel Watwero faction connived with a district staff to sideline the former from accessing money under the government programme which is aimed at improving the livelihoods of women in the country.
According to Opio, the files of the two groups have been called and are being investigated by his office, the Chief Administrative Officer and the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social development, adding that the district staff who has been cited in the financial scam is also under investigation.
He observed that they have currently suspended any funding into the two associations until the investigations are complete.
Gulu district received Shs 157mln under UWEP, targeting 14 women groups that registered to benefit from the government programme in the 2022/2023 financial year.
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