Written By | BK Mugizi
Under Probe; Kitagata Farm Institute Principal Kyokwijuka Immaculate
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SHEEMA
The Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, has appointed a committee to investigate allegations of corruption, misuse of institutional funds and mismanagement at Kitagata Farm Institute in Sheema District. The investigation follows a petition dated October 17, 2026, addressed to Twinomujuni and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SACHU) by two residents of Kasana Sub-county, Jimmy Bobs Muwonge and Samuel Rutimbirayo. In the petition, the residents accused the institute’s principal, Immaculate Kyokwijuka, of alleged financial impropriety, nepotism in staff recruitment and using students for activities they claim are unrelated to their training.
According to sources, the Bishop has appointed a committee chaired by Can. Charles Aine, head of the West Ankole Diocese Education Committee, to investigate the allegations.
The committee is expected to examine concerns surrounding the management of institutional funds and the reported use of students for activities outside their training.
Students Allegedly Sent to Private Farms
The petitioners allege that Kyokwijuka has been sending students to work on private farms belonging to individuals who allegedly pay her for their services.
They argue that the practice raises questions about whether students are receiving the agricultural training they are supposed to get at the institute.
The residents have also questioned the requirement for students to bring a bag of cement in addition to paying school fees, saying it places an extra financial burden on parents.
Student Enrolment Declines
The petitioners have raised concerns about an alleged decline in student enrolment at the institution, questioning whether it could be linked to the institute’s management.
According to the petition, Kitagata Farm Institute had 382 students in the previous academic year, but the number reportedly dropped to 301 this year.
The residents say the decline raises questions about the institution’s management and the treatment of students.
They have called for an investigation to establish the reasons behind the drop in enrolment and whether management challenges have contributed to the situation.
Relatives Allegedly Employed
The residents have also accused Kyokwijuka of employing more than 10 of her relatives at the institute.
They claim the alleged practice has created the impression that the institution is being run like a family establishment rather than a public institution intended to provide education and practical agricultural skills.
The petitioners want investigators to examine the recruitment process, the allocation of responsibilities among staff and the procedures followed when employees are appointed.
They say an independent investigation would establish whether the recruitment process complies with the regulations governing the institution.
Questions Over Vehicle Maintenance Fees
The petitioners have also questioned the collection and use of money allegedly paid by students for the maintenance of the institute’s vehicle.
According to the residents, each student is required to contribute Shs40,000 per term towards vehicle maintenance, despite claims that the vehicle has been non-operational for several years.
They want the institute’s management to explain how the money collected from students is spent and why the contributions are still being demanded if the vehicle remains out of service.
The residents have called for an audit to establish the total amount collected, how the money has been used and why the vehicle has reportedly remained grounded for so long.
Principal Responds
When contacted for comment, Kyokwijuka disputed some of the allegations, saying she took over the institution when student enrolment was low and had worked hard to improve the situation.
On allegations that students were being sent to work on private farms, Kyokwijuka acknowledged that students visit farms but defended the practice, saying it helps them acquire practical agricultural skills.
She also confirmed that students were required to bring a bag of cement in addition to paying school fees, explaining that the contribution was intended to support the construction of accommodation facilities at the institute. Kyokwijuka said the cement was meant to support the construction of a girls’ dormitory.
She denied allegations of nepotism and financial mismanagement, dismissing claims that she had employed more than 10 relatives at the institute or misused institutional funds.
