New York boss Jacob Eyeru investigated for embezzling 800 million shillings – ChimpReports

The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, has tasked the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Aggrey Kibenge, to investigate the Chairman of the National Youth Council (NYC), Jacob Eyeru.

Eyeru is accused of misappropriating 800 million shillings intended for commemorations in New York to mark the 30th anniversary.

The commemorations were scheduled for 12 July 2024 in Luwero District.

However, three days before July 12, Eyeru issued a statement that the event had been postponed.

“The Uganda National Youth Council regrets to inform all current and former members of the postponement of the 30-year commemoration event, which was scheduled to take place on Friday, 12th July in Luwero District. This postponement became necessary after the rescheduling of the dates of the cabinet retreat made it virtually and visually impossible to commemorate the impact of the 30 years of existence of the National Youth Council,” Eyeru said in a statement.

He added that consultations are underway with the head of state to determine and confirm a new date.

There have been reports on social media that following the postponement of the new law, a section of district youth chairmen started receiving Sh1 million each for transportation on their individual mobile money numbers between July 13 and 16, even when they have bank accounts.

In a letter dated July 16, 2024, the Mityana District Finance Secretary and Shadow Chairman of the National Youth Council wrote to the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, informing him about the Sh800 million embezzled by Eyeru.

In response, Minister Balaam said that those responsible must be held accountable.

“I agree that those responsible for any misappropriation of funds must be held accountable. It is worrying to learn that a huge amount of money (over Sh800 million) was allocated for the 30th anniversary celebration in New York, which was later cancelled, and now there is no clear explanation from the Executive Secretary on the use of those funds,” reads part of Balaam’s letter.

“As the Honorable Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, I look forward to your request and I am committed to cooperating with further investigations into this matter and clarifying the approval process for the expenditure of quarterly monies for the last quarter. The public deserves to know how their funds are being used,” he added.

Balaam has tasked the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Aggrey Kibenge, to investigate the allegations against Eyeru.

“By means of a copy of this letter, I hereby instruct the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to investigate these allegations.”