By John Ogulei
SERERE
The Serere District Legislators have threatened to arrest the Serere District RDC Martin Mugabi, District Community Development Officer Okalebo Sam Echodu, District Internal Security Officer, Kenneth Ojara and the District LCV, Stephen Ochola for snubbing Emyooga Consultation meetings.
The MPs are currently camped at the Serere District headquarters to assess the progress of Emyooga in the district.
The MPs; Hellen Adoa Serere Woman MP, Patrick Okabe Serere County MP, Fred Opolot, Pingire County and Elijah Okupa for Kasilo County are bitter that the above leaders have decided to snub the meetings yet they are the key partners in the success of Emyooga.
According to Patrick Okabe, the Serere RDC Martin Mugabi who is the Emyooga Focal person should be part of the meetings.
“It’s not proper for the RDC and other technocrats to dodge this Emyooga Consultation meetings meant to help in solving problems surrounding Emyooga,” said Okabe.
He added that with powers invested in them as Members of Parliament, they have the powers to arrest any person who is against government programs.
He said the above effected leaders will be brought to book.
The State Minister for Fisheries also Serere Woman MP also blamed the officials for snubbing the meetings yet they are the ones responsible for the success of Emyooga.
The MPs also questioned the criteria used in accessing the Emyooga funds in the banks.
Elijah Okupa of Kasilo County wondered why the beneficiaries have been asked to make an initial deposit of 30% before accessing the bank loan.
“This is government Money not for the bank and doesn’t need security. Opportunity Bank is cheating our people. I don’t know if they want to be opportunistic just like their name opportunity Bank,” Okupa said.
Fred Opolot of Pingire County shared his disappointment noting that the Emyooga Group members are forced to borrow money from small savings groups in order to access the Emyooga funds.
“People have been made to borrow money from small savings groups for them to access Emyooga funds. It’s truly sad,” noted Opolot.
