I know that's a very old topics but is the issue solve?
Because I have a very similar problem.
I made a new install off homegenie on a raspberry pi.
I create a new group named "Testé". It appear in the list as "Testé" so it's OK.
I restart my raspberry pi. I create a new group named "Testé2", it appear as "Test??2" so it's NOT OK. The first one I've create is always correct, but I couldn't delete it or modify it content (unable to add or remove widget)
If I reinstall Homegenie, it will works correctly until I restart my Raspberry.
I have already install Homegenie on different virtual Machine (Lunbuntu 15.04, Unbuntu 14.02, Windows 10) and I never seen this problem before. It only appear on my raspberry (fresh install with the image "RASPBIAN WHEEZY".
Thanks