By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
All is not well for Evans Mutesasira Kaganizo, the chairperson of Uganda Liberal Teachers Union (ULITU) members SACCO after members of the Central Organization of Free Trade Unions –Uganda (COFTU) petitioned the First Lady also Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni over alleged impending financial impropriety by the SACCO chairperson.
The SACCO members also accuse Kaganizo of being so arrogant, not listening to their advice on top of being unquestionable to the decisions he makes.
In a petition written by Central Organization of Free Trade Unions of Uganda (COFTU) dated November 28, 2024 titled Confidential and urgent addressed to Kataha Museveni, copied to the Gender Ministry, permanent secretaries for both Gender and Education ministries and to the accused person reads in parts:
“High level intervention for proactive preventive action against a brewing financial impropriety and mismanagement of presidential grant meant to benefit teachers under their umbrella body Uganda Liberal Teachers Union (ULITU) members SACCO.
‘The secretary General of the Uganda Liberal Teachers Union Mr. Jackson Erima has brought to our attention (Central Organization of Free trade Unions Uganda) an impending misuse of public funds- the grant the president extended to ULITU members SACCO amounting to Shs.6.6 billion.
‘According to aggrieved SACCO members led by Jackson Erima, the union leadership fears that the procedures and bylaws for use of public and SACCO funds are not being followed by the chairperson of the SACCO Mr. Evans Mutesasira Kaganizo who so far has allegedly irregularly withdrew Shs 74m and was attempting to withdraw another Shs 2bilion without the knowledge or authority of their respective ULITU members SACCO board. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Union has tried to engage Mutesasira without success. The leadership of the Central Organization of free Trade Union has additionally tried to intervene but Mr. Evans Mutesasira is elusive.
‘In accordance with the mandate of the federation that is provided for by section 9(2) (b)( f )(g) of the Labor Union Act, provides that:
-To coordinate and supervise the activities of the federation in order to ensure that undertakings entered into by individual unions or by the federation of Labor Union on behalf of its affiliated labor Unions are duly honored.
-To serve as a link between registered Labor unions, the government, and international organizations in all matters of mutual interest.
-To serve generally as a consultant on all matters relating to labor Union affairs.
The petition continues: ‘We request for your urgent high level intervention to guide the leadership of the said union and SACCO as follows;
To cause an urgent meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Union and the board of the SACCO to agree on how best to manage this grant.
That the ministry nominates an official who can support the two entities in harmoniously, profitably and professionally managing the said grant.
That the leadership of the Union and SACCO should put in place a joint framework for the joint stewardship of the said grant.
The red flag arising out of the behavior of Mr. Evans Kaganizo as the principle signatory to the SACCO, managing this grant, the leadership of this SACCO should be guided and assisted to establish a better framework to manage their Accounts
That no fund should be withdrawn or expended from the said SACCO Account until the above parameters are realized.
Note: The detailed petition was authored and signed by the Secretary General Central Organization of Free Trade Unions Uganda (COFTU), Dr. Sam Lyomoki.
However Mr. Evans Kaganizo Mutesasira says his troubles are being escalated by leaders of the old teachers’ unions who wanted the said money to be channeled to their teachers’ SACCO Accounts.
