Editor,

I wish to add my voice to reports that some Non- Government Organisations (NGOs) are fleecing those they are supposed to help. 

Some NGOs receive funds from donors to help the poor, but greedy officials end up pocketing the money for self aggrandisement.

There are several cases pending in courts over alleged mismanagement of NGO funds by top managers or leaders. The Ministry of Local and Immigration needs to realise that if NGOs are not properly monitored, they will keep cheating innocent Rwandans.

We have heard cases whereby NGOs use the names of Genocide survivors to justify their application for foreign funds.

Once the funds are secured, leaders of these so-called NGOs vanish, only to start other organisations to help themselves and their friends.

Many times, owners of such NGOs inflate the number of supposed beneficiaries in order to attract funding. At one time, members of an NGO known as Italia Solidale dragged officials to court over alleged embezzlement of the funds meant for orphans and widows.

Those who steal money meant for the poor must be severely punished.

Augustine Kayitankole
Nyagatare