Kigumba, Uganda: The Maragoli Community Association (MCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to unity, transparency and the pursuit of constitutional recognition following a community meeting that cleared the association’s leadership of allegations that it had misappropriated funds intended for community livelihood programmes.
The meeting, held in Kigumba Town Council, brought together leaders of the Maragoli Community Association, officials from Minority Rights Group International (MRGI), local leaders and community members to address claims that MCA leaders had diverted funds meant to improve the livelihoods of members.
Officials from Minority Rights Group International clarified that the allegations were unfounded, explaining that no livelihood funds had been disbursed to the association’s executive leadership.
Instead, they said the funding under discussion had been specifically earmarked to support advocacy and lobbying efforts aimed at securing constitutional recognition of the Maragoli Community as citizens of Uganda by birth.
The meeting concluded that the allegations were false and defamatory, noting that they had created unnecessary tension and divisions within the community.
Participants urged members to reject misinformation and remain focused on the association’s broader objective of securing constitutional recognition.
Among those in attendance were Kibanda South MP Hon. Jacob Karubanga Ateenyi, Kigumba Town Council Mayor Hon. Tumusiime Faruk, Africa Region Chairperson at Minority Rights Group International Agnes Kabajuni, MRGI Capacity Building Officer Geoffrey Sabiiti, Acting MCA Chairperson Kato Jacob, MCA Coordinator Ndooli David, and MCA Mobiliser Sagwa Moses.
Addressing the meeting, Mayor Tumusiime Faruk called on members of the Maragoli Community to embrace unity and avoid internal conflicts that could undermine years of advocacy.
“Every member should preach unity and work together. Division and hatred among ourselves will only destroy what we are working hard to achieve. Your strength lies in standing together for the future of the Maragoli Community,” Faruk said.
Hon. Jacob Karubanga Ateenyi welcomed MRGI’s decision to clarify the matter before the community, saying the allegations had also implicated him by falsely claiming he had diverted community funds for political activities.
“I appreciate Minority Rights Group International for responding to my request to come and clarify these issues before the community. Anyone alleging that funds meant for the Maragoli Community were diverted should provide evidence. Baseless accusations only create unnecessary divisions and derail the community’s progress,” Karubanga said.
The legislator urged members to reconcile and strengthen the association by supporting its leadership and participating in its programmes.
“I encourage every member of the Maragoli Community to come together, register with the association, and support its leadership. A strong and united association will be better positioned to attract support, advocate for the community’s rights, and ensure that future opportunities benefit registered members fairly and transparently,” he added.
Representatives of Minority Rights Group International also appealed for responsible communication, mutual respect and peaceful engagement, stressing that unity remains essential to the community’s advocacy for constitutional recognition.
The meeting adopted several resolutions to strengthen the association’s governance and accountability.
Members resolved that anyone wishing to join the Maragoli Community Association must formally register by paying a UGX 10,000 membership fee and obtain an official membership card.
It was further agreed that only registered members would be eligible to vote or contest for leadership positions within the association.
Participants also resolved to discourage defamatory statements and misinformation capable of damaging the reputation of individuals and the association while reaffirming their commitment to pursuing constitutional recognition of the Maragoli Community as Ugandan citizens by birth.
The meeting concluded with an appeal to Hon. Jacob Karubanga Ateenyi to continue supporting the community’s advocacy and engagement with government as it pursues official recognition.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
