NCU board hit

Mwanza. The minister for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries, Dr Charles Tizeba, yesterday asked the Cooperatives Registrar to take stern actions against Nyanza Cooperative Union (NCU) officials accused of mishandling the union affairs.

Dr Tizeba gave the directive after the Mwanza regional commissioner, Mr John Mongela, asked him to intervene in and sack the NCU Board chairman and the manager who, he said, had failed to lead the outfit properly.

Mr Mongela urged Dr Tizeba to immediately fire them, noting that they could no longer work with people he termed as corrupt.

As he welcomed the minister at the NCU Board meeting, Mr Mongela noted that all corporate assets had been sold dubiously under the leadership of the two people. He said the properties include ginneries, buildings, plots and farms.

“We don’t know where this board chairman and the manager are taking the Nyanza Cooperative Union to. The chairman is weak, he is constantly complaining about his manager, but we have not seen him taking any action. That is why I have decided to ask you Mr minister to take action,” he said.

He said whenever a file from the NCU was sent to his office, it usually contained information about misappropriation of the NCU properties and that he failed to understand the audacity by the two leaders to remain in office despite numerous allegations levelled against them.

However, the minister said he had no mandate to terminate the board leaders, instructing the Cooperatives Registrar, Dr Audax Rutabanzibwa, to dissolve it immediately and find other suitable people who would work for the benefit of the members. Dr Tizeba directed the registrar to take a similar action to officials of cooperatives in Simiyu, Geita and Mwanza regions.