Residents of Ibanda District have been urged to avoid dealing with unlicensed money lenders and fraudulent groups that exploit members of the public through false promises of quick wealth.
The warning was issued by Rebecca Atwine, the Presidential Advisor at the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ibanda District Main Hall on Friday.
Atwine said the Anti-Corruption Unit was in the district to investigate complaints regarding illegal money-lending businesses and establish whether they are operating with the necessary licences and approvals.
She warned that district officials responsible for regulating such businesses could be held accountable if they fail to carry out their duties, noting that negligence in enforcing the law amounts to corruption under the Anti-Corruption Act.
She also condemned fraudulent groups, including those operating under the name “Aba Lord Religion,” accusing them of deceiving people with promises of wealth and financial prosperity. Atwine called on security agencies, including the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), District Internal Security Officer (DISO), the Uganda Police Force, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to eliminate such illegal operations in order to protect residents and promote peace and development.
The Ibanda Resident District Commissioner, Godfrey Mbetegerize, pledged that the district leadership would implement the resolutions reached during the meeting. He directed all money lenders operating in the district to acquire the required licences and warned that those found operating illegally would face legal action.
Meanwhile, the Ibanda District LC V Chairperson, Happy Hebert Mayanja, commended Atwine and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit for engaging local leaders and the public on corruption and illegal financial practices.
Mayanja appealed to the Unit to continue conducting sensitisation campaigns in the district, saying such initiatives would strengthen accountability, enhance transparency, and improve service delivery.
The stakeholders’ meeting brought together district leaders, security officials, and members of the public to discuss measures aimed at protecting residents from financial exploitation and strengthening enforcement against corruption and illegal financial activities.