Police in Gulu district have today arrested four people from Paicho sub-county in Gulu district over alleged embezzlement of 10 million shilling which was allocated to Ajanyi kacel Watwero produce buying and selling in financial years 2022-2023 under Uganda women entrepreneur project.
The Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) is an initiative of the Government of Uganda that is aimed at improving access to financial services for women and equipping them with skills for enterprise growth, value addition and marketing of their products and services.
UWEP, implemented as a Rolling Programme under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), is intended to empower Ugandan women for economic development.
The arrest came following an order from deputy RDC of Gulu district Mr. Cosmas James Okidi who directed the police to investigate the matter.
Those who were arrested include Ali Daniel, the Parish Chief of Pagik Parish in Paicho sub-county, Lamwaka Prossy. Atimango Grace and Aryemo Milly, the trio are the executive of false Ajanyi Kacel Watero produce buying and selling who were allegedly formed to swindle the money from the real Ajanyi group which has 15 members.
Okidi says he swing into action following several attempt by the genuine” Ajanyi produce buying and selling with 15 members who claimed that their group was appropriated UWEP fund however Mr. Ali Daniel who is the parish chief went and formed another group with only five members and diverted the fund which was supposed to benefit the real group.
These complaining groups have tried several offices to handle their plea thus when his office was notified he opted to take action.
Tala Rose, the secretary of affected Ajanyi produce buyer and sellers says their group were already informed by Ali that they were appropriated 10 million shilling and they were in the process of opening their group account.
However, to their surprise they later in July 2023 learned that another group with the same name was formed and one of their members by the name Atimango Grace happened to be the secretary of that new group leaving them with many questions hence prompted them to look for answers.
Charles Okello the LCIII chairperson of Paicho sub county says his office is to provide with relevant details and information pertaining to groups in his sub county who have been allocated UWEP money however he discloses that Pacho sub county has 22 UWEP groups.
Meanwhile Mr. Ali Daniel the affected Parish chief says those complaining are changing their group names from Cwero Market vendor’s association to Ajanyi Kacel watwero produce buying and selling.
Moses Ogwang, the police Community Lainson Officer for Gulu district confirmed the arrest of the four suspects saying they will help the police with relevant documents pertaining to these cases.
The four arrested are currently being detained in Burcoro police post.
