Misappropriation of Funds Intended for Volunteer Teachers
Funds intended to support volunteer teachers in Ntega commune have been diverted. These teachers are now demanding accountability and clarity regarding the missing money.
King Umurundi Freedom conducted an independent investigation and is now making its findings public.
Origin of the Fund
Under the former administrative structure, the communal education office of Ntega had established an Education Support Fund specifically intended to assist volunteer teachers. The fund was financed through contributions from households and local civil servants. Managed through an account at COOPEC Ntega, it provided modest stipends to volunteer teachers, ensuring they could meet basic needs.
What Happened to the Funds?
During the transition to the new administrative reorganization—when Ntega commune was integrated into the new commune of Kirundo—the account in question held more than 8 million Burundian francs (8,000,000 FBu). It was at this moment that the funds were withdrawn.
According to our investigation, the withdrawal was carried out by Jean Marie MUSABANGANJI, then communal director of education, and Pierre Claver MBANZABUGABO, former communal administrator. Both were authorized signatories on the account.
Claiming that the fund would no longer be useful in the new administrative system, they proceeded to withdraw the entire amount. Later, to appease the beneficiaries, they distributed 10,000 FBu to each volunteer teacher—while concealing the fact that the entire fund had already been emptied.
Reactions and Demands
The teachers involved express anger and a deep sense of betrayal. Several told us:
“We were never informed that all the money had been withdrawn. They gave us 10,000 FBu as if it were a favor, while they had already taken more than 8 million. They took advantage of the administrative transition to hide their scheme.”
As a result, the volunteer teachers are demanding:
— Full transparency regarding how the funds were managed,
— Restitution of the diverted amounts,
— And prosecution of the individuals presumed responsible, in accordance with the law.