Bishop Nason Baluku Cautions Church Schools Against Unvetted Donors Post-Hut 8 Scams

Bishop Nason Baluku of the South Rwenzori Diocese has instructed heads of Church of Uganda schools and institutions in Kasese District to halt the acceptance of any donations or support from individuals, organizations, or companies without prior written authorization from his office. This directive comes in the wake of widespread reports of residents losing substantial sums of money to the online investment platform known as Hut 8.

Bishop Baluku expressed concerns that some entities might exploit charitable activities to build trust before engaging in fraudulent schemes. He specifically mentioned observing a video on social media showing a group identified as ‘HUT 8’ making a donation to Kinyamaseke Primary School, a Church of Uganda foundation. He emphasized that any institution accepting donations without his explicit approval, even if authorized by the Diocesan Secretary, risks disciplinary action, including transfers.

The warning follows numerous accounts from individuals in Kasese and surrounding areas who were lured by Hut 8’s promises of high returns on small investments. Many subscribers initially saw withdrawals, which encouraged them to invest more and recruit others. However, the platform recently became inaccessible, leaving investors unable to retrieve their funds, with some reporting losses amounting to millions of shillings.

Victims, including vendors, teachers, and boda boda riders, shared their experiences of initial successes followed by devastating losses. They had planned to use the expected profits for significant life improvements, such as building houses, buying land, and expanding businesses. The lack of clear ownership and operational details for Hut 8 has left victims unsure where to report their grievances.

Bishop Baluku urged the public to exercise vigilance, stressing that seemingly generous offers should not overshadow the need to verify the identity and intentions of potential donors. He advised against accepting donations that could be a precursor to scams, especially in the current harsh economic climate.

Former State Minister for ICT, Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga Kiime, echoed these sentiments, advising the public to conduct thorough due diligence before investing in any platform, particularly those promising unrealistically high returns. He also cautioned against using unverified applications, emphasizing the government’s efforts to combat cybercrimes and the need for individual alertness.