People with disabilities in Rongi Sector of Muhanga District are appealing to authorities to investigate the alleged mismanagement of assets belonging to their cooperative, Twisungane Ibakwe.
While cooperatives across the district continue to drive economic progress, members of this group say they have been left behind after funds and property meant to improve their livelihoods were reportedly misused by former leaders.
The members claim that financial support allocated to the cooperative to help them start income generating activities never reached its intended beneficiaries. Instead, they allege that the money was embezzled, resulting in significant losses and stalled development.
Prautille Nyirabeza, one of the cooperative members, explained how part of the funds was used to purchase pigs intended to improve members’ welfare. The pigs were to be raised in communal pigsties that had been constructed for the project. According to her, the pigs were later distributed to selected members under an agreement that once the animals gave birth, piglets would be passed on to other members.
“Those who received the pigs first never shared any piglets with others,” she said. “They claimed the pigs had died. Some members were told by the leader that they were excluded because they had not completed their membership fees.”
Gratien Munyandamutsa, a visually impaired member, raised concerns about a piece of land reportedly purchased by the cooperative but lacking legal documentation.
“We were informed that the money was meant to help us develop, but we do not know the full amount that was received,” he said. “A piece of land was bought, yet we have no land title documents. We have not even been able to use it productively as expected. We fear that we could lose it.”
Another member, who requested anonymity, pointed to additional cooperative assets including communal pigsties, cooking pots, basins and saucepans that are no longer accounted for. Members say they were told the items had been sold, but no explanation was provided regarding how much money was obtained or how it was used.
Innocent Turahimana, the outgoing leader of the cooperative, dismissed the accusations, stating that proper records exist documenting how the cooperative’s resources were utilized.
“The cooperative’s funds were saved in a bank account and later withdrawn and loaned to members who did not repay,” he said. “As for the land issue, it will be resolved soon.”
However, the newly elected leader, Jean d’Arc Namahoro, acknowledged gaps in the handover process. She stated that while she received documents containing members’ names, key records were missing.
“I was not given financial reports, land purchase documents or bank account details during the transfer of leadership,” she said.
Members are now urging relevant authorities to conduct a thorough follow up on the cooperative’s assets and funds to ensure accountability and restore their trust. They say the resources were meant to uplift them and should serve that purpose.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda shows that cooperatives play a crucial role in rural development. In Muhanga District, where the 2022 Population and Housing Census indicates a significant number of residents requiring social inclusion support, the situation has raised concern.
Residents argue that when funds intended for vulnerable groups are mismanaged, the impact goes beyond individual members. It weakens broader district efforts to promote inclusive development. They believe that holding leaders accountable is essential not only for justice but also for sustaining grassroots economic growth in the district.
Author: Nadine Turabumukiza