Soroti youth group ordered to account for sh12m livelihood funds

SOROTI - The Soroti resident district commissioner (RDC), Patrick Okumu, has issued a directive to members of the Okodo-Kwi Youth Group to return or account for sh12 million received under the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP).

The funds, disbursed in 2014 to support a piggery project, have allegedly been mismanaged, with group members accused of abandoning the initiative and failing to repay the government.

Accountability drive

Okumu made the order during a community accountability forum held at Okodo-Kwi in Asuret subcounty on May 9, 2025. The forum was organised by the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU), in collaboration with ActionAid International Uganda and the Inspectorate of Government.

Addressing a gathering of residents and local leaders, Okumu expressed disappointment at the failure of the group to uphold its responsibilities.

“You cannot receive government funds, misuse them and expect no consequences,” he said. “You must account for or refund every coin.”

He directed the sub-county chief to take legal action if the group fails to comply.

Pattern of abuse

The Okodo-Kwi Youth Group received Shs12 million for a piggery project, but investigations revealed that no pigs were purchased. Instead, members reportedly shared the funds among themselves and abandoned the project.

Okumu cited this case as part of a broader trend of abuse in government-funded youth and women empowerment programmes.

“We are going to track every beneficiary. Misuse of public funds must stop,” he warned.

Civil society role

Faith Namusobya, the programme officer at ACCU, urged communities to demand accountability from leaders and beneficiaries of government programmes.

She noted that misuse of livelihood programme funds undermines public trust and stalls local development.

Namusobya added that corruption at grassroots level often goes unpunished due to limited community oversight.

“We want citizens to raise questions and ensure funds benefit intended groups,” she said.

Citizens demand transparency

Several residents voiced frustration, accusing some youth group leaders of colluding with local officials to divert funds.

Juliet Among, a community member, said it was not the first time government funds had vanished without trace.

“We hear about these projects but see no results. The government must follow up more seriously,” she said.

The forum concluded with a call for tighter monitoring of youth groups and community empowerment through information and civic education.