Uganda Ministries, districts get sh1,650b

Sunday, 14th August, 2011


The Uganda Government has released over sh1,656b to the cashstarved ministries and districts for the first quarter of this financial year, which runs from July to September 2011.

The releases include sh392b for local governments, sh544b for civil servants salaries (wage) and sh486b for operational costs (non-wage).

The funds for Uganda local governments include funding for primary and secondary education, hospitals, NAADS, roads and water.

Funds for development projects and programmes totaling sh625b and pensioners’ arrears of sh23b were also released.
A statement issued to all accounting officers by the permanent secretary and secretary to the treasury, showed that the funds were released in mid-July.

“Accounting officers of central government votes should note that cash limits issued show funds available to each vote for commitment and expenditure in the first quarter of the 2011/12 financial year as required under the Commitment Control System (CCS),” the statement said.

“Suppliers and service providers can now receive their payments from the vote holders,” the statement added.

“As a reminder, all issues relating to payment of ex-gratia and councillors allowances to local councils I and II and salary and gratuity to political leaders should be addressed to the permanent secretary/ Ministry of Local Government for compilation and verification and on-ward submission to this ministry for settlement,” says the statement.

The secretary to the treasury warned all sector ministries and local governments to adhere to the release and reporting requirements.

He said no releases would be made in the second quarter to non-compliant sectors or local governments.
The secretary said all accounting officers must submit workplans and accountability in conformity with their letters of appointment.

Kenneth Mugambe, a commissioner in the budget policy and evaluation department in the finance ministry, on Friday explained that announcing the releases through the media was intended to inform ministries and the public so that they follow up on how the money is spent.

“This is aimed at transparency and to hold public officers accountable, which in the long-run will curb corruption,” he said.

By JOSEPHINE MASERUKA : The New Vision Newspaper