Seven remanded for swindling Ubudehe funds

RWAMAGANA – A married couple was among the 7 accused who were remanded at Nsinda Central Prison on Tuesday, after being charged with the embezzlement of Rwf23 million, meant for the poverty eradication programme commonly known as Ubudehe. The Kigabiro First Court of Instance in Rwamagana District, ordered that while the trial continues Patrick J. Mwesige, the former Muhazi sector leader, and his wife Primitiva Mukeshimana, be remanded in custody for 30 days. Mwesige also faces other charges of flouting tender procedures, corruption and favouritism, while his wife is accused of irregularly winning the tender to supply cows under Ubudehe. Others detained include; Guy Semahoro, who is accused of endorsing payment of Rwf23 million to Mukeshimana and Francois Rwandenzi, who allegedly faltered revenue receipts with the intent enabling the accused to swindle public funds. “There is sufficient evidence proving that Francois Rwandenzi forged financial documents to enable the accused to swindle the funds,” the judge said while ordering the all suspects to be detained. The local Ubudehe committee says sector leaders interfered with the tendering process contrary to laid down procedures. According to the provincial Governor, Dr. Ephraim Kabaija, the tender scam dates back to April 2008, but was only unearthed recently. Kabaija said: “We cannot function effectively until corruption is substantially stamped out.” Ends