SOUTHERN PROVINCE

RUHANGO — A probe committee has been set up to investigate allegations of embezzlement of school funds at Ecole Technique de Mukingi (ETM).

ETM is a private technical school in Byimana sector -Ruhango district owned by Jyambere Ntenyo association. Established in 2000, it has about 507 students and over 36 teaching and non teaching staff.

A report presented at the school parents meeting on January 6 alleged that Eugene Munyaneza, the director, swindled millions of school funds and property since 2005.

"It is true that the school funds were embezzled and the amount is yet to be established by a probe committee at the district. The accused director (Munyaneza) has gone missing since December 2007," Catherine Mukayire, the district Vice mayor said on Friday.

The report claims that apart from funds, Munyaneza, who is currently on the run managed to sneak out with school property including generators, vehicles, Television and other materials.

The financial worth is estimated at about Frw30million. He allegedly transferred the funds on his personal account in a period of two years, without consultation with the accounts department or the parents association.

According to the report, Munyaneza also managed to alter all school accounts into his names, duplicate school stamp and steal account books in the process.

It has been reported that the beginning of the new school term is not certain because of the financial mishap. Sources said the school is seeking Frw8million bank loan to enable the opening. The same source said management has been replaced and all workers suspended.

"The fate of students is yet to be determined, but the District authorities have intervened and asked the school to postpone the commencement of the academic year until January 21 in order to sort out the financial crisis," Mukayire said.

District Police officials confirmed the incidence saying, investigations were ongoing and Munyaneza believed to have fled to Uganda, is wanted for questioning.

However, some of the missing property has reportedly been retrieved from his residence.

Ends