Businessman Remanded Over Theft of UGX 815 Million Teachers SACCO

The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded businessman Muhandiki Andrew in connection with a multi-billion shilling scandal involving the misappropriation of funds meant for teachers’ welfare.

Muhandiki was on Tuesday arraigned before court by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working jointly with the Directorate of Criminal Intelligence and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. He faces charges of theft and has been remanded until January 14, 2026.

According to the prosecution, Muhandiki, together with accomplices who are still at large, fraudulently withdrew UGX 815,000,000 from the account of the Uganda Liberal Teachers Savings and Credit Cooperative Society in May 2025. The withdrawal was allegedly made without the consent or knowledge of the SACCO members.

Investigators told court that the money was taken through what they described as a fake agreement. Muhandiki is accused of entering into a sham contract with former leaders of the SACCO, who acted as his accomplices. Under the agreement, he was purportedly contracted to develop land measuring about 500 acres in Kyangwali on behalf of the teachers SACCO.

However, investigations later revealed that the land was non-existent. The former SACCO leaders had claimed that the land had been purchased at a cost of UGX 2.75 billion, but authorities established that no such land existed. Prosecutors say the agreement was only created to justify the illegal withdrawal of members’ savings.

Muhandiki now joins the former chairperson, secretary and other officials of the SACCO who were earlier charged in relation to the misappropriation of more than UGX 3.6 billion. The funds form part of UGX 20 billion that was granted to teachers’ SACCOs by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to improve the welfare and financial stability of teachers across the country.

During his appearance before the Chief Magistrate, Muhandiki was not allowed to enter a plea, as the matter involves capital offenses that require handling by a higher court. He was subsequently remanded as investigations continue.

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit said efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the remaining suspects involved in the scheme. Authorities also reiterated their commitment to recovering the stolen funds, stressing that the misuse of money intended for teachers’ welfare will not be tolerated.

The case highlights the wider crackdown on corruption involving public and cooperative funds, particularly those meant to support essential workers such as teachers.