Arua City — Hon. Balaam Barugahara, today morning has met with a group of Boda Boda riders who were demanding payment of Shs 147 million they say was released by the NRM Secretariat but never reached them.
The riders gathered to petition the minister, saying the funds were meant for their SACCOs and associations as part of government support to the Boda Boda industry. According to the riders, the money was reportedly disbursed from the Secretariat, but to date none of them had received it.
Addressing the group, Hon. Balaam listened to their grievances and promised to follow up immediately. In the presence of the riders, he made a phone call to officials at the NRM Secretariat to seek clarity on the matter.
During the call, Secretariat officials confirmed that they are aware of the case. They told the minister that efforts are underway to trace the funds and ensure they are recovered. The officials also said that those responsible for the delay and disappearance of the money will be made to answer for it.
“We cannot allow money meant for the people to disappear along the way,” Hon. Balaam told the riders after the call. “The Secretariat has confirmed they are handling it. My role is to make sure you get what is due to you, and that accountability is done.”
