Security operatives have arrested a Centenary Bank Tororo branch official and recovered Shs 18.9 million of the 40 million that had allegedly been stolen by the official in connivance with two Community Development Officers (CDOs).
The embezzled money was from under the Social Action Grant for the Elderly (SAGE) program under the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development where a stipend of Shs. 25,000/= is given as a grant to older persons of 80 years and above.
The security operatives swung into action following complaints from older persons about their names being deleted from the SAGE system and monies disappearing.
Preliminary investigations discovered that at least shilling 40 million was shared among three people namely Juliet Naluyima aTeller at Centenary Bank Tororo branch , Emma Okoth a centenary bank focal staff incharge of SAGE and Asagai David a civil servant of Tororo district local government.
Upon conducting a search around Shillings 2.9 millions was recovered from Naluyima’s office at the Bank and another 11,650,000/= found at her home hidden in the dustbin, according to Tororo Resident District Commissioner, Nixon Owole.
“We have arrested one bank official to help with the investigations while the CDOs involved in this unethical behaviour have gone into hiding, I call upon them to come and confess before my office and bring back the money because runnng away and hiding is not going to help them at all,” Owole said.
“It is believed that over shillings 100 million could have been swindled in this racket because we are still receiving complaints from Busia and Butaleja districts,” Owole added.
The Tororo District Police Commander (DPC), Adams Kimuli confirmed the arrest of Naluyima saying the police were still hunting for those still at large.
Upon interrogation by detectives Naluyima confessed that she diverted the money but she took a portion of 15M and the rest she shared with Okoth and Asangai who took 15M and 10M respectively.
