By Weswa Ronnie
NAMISINDWA
A Pastor belonging to Holy Spirit Church in Bumbo Town Council, Namisindwa District has been arrested together with two others for allegedly fleecing parents Shs54Million in a bogus bursary scheme.
The tri was arrested on Friday, 24th March, 2023 after affected parent stormed the office of the LCIII chairperson of the Bukokho sub-county, John Wafula.
The suspects are Ben Watenyeli, pastor of Holy Spirit church Bumbo Town Council, Moses Situma from Bumbo Town Council and one only identified as Sylvia from Lwakhakha town council.
According to Wafula, the three people deceived locals that they have a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) called Compassion African Aid which supports needy children with free education.
He adds that each parent was asked to pay only Shs10,000 as registration fees such that their children can be admitted to Compassion African Aid School.
Wafula says that over 1000 parents picked interest and paid the money but after their children were chased from compassion over unknown reasons, they reported to his office. He says he then raised the matter to the RDC who ordered for their arrest after it was discovered they were conmen.
The children had spent nearly two months at the so-called school but without any teaching since the teachers that had been recruited also left because of non-payment of their salaries.
Imran Muluga, the Resident District Commissioner of Namisindwa district has confirmed the arrest saying that they are currently being detained at Namisindwa police station.
He warned parents against being convinced by any NGO before first informing their local leaders such that they don’t get such problems again.
David Wanasolo and Suzan Khanakwa all affected parents from Bukokho sub-county asked the government to give them justice and asked the suspects to refund their money.
