Summary:
- The proposed changes would make district chairpersons signatories to district local government accounts a move proponents argue will improve accountability and curb corruption.
RUBANDA: Several LC5 chairpersons from the Kigezi sub-region have backed district leaders in Bugisu, who are advocating for amendments to the District Local Government Act.
The proposed changes would make district chairpersons signatories to district local government accounts a move proponents argue will improve accountability and curb corruption.
Currently, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Chief Finance Officer (CFO) serve as the primary signatories on district accounts. However, many chairpersons claim that funds sent from the central government are often misused by technical staff, leaving district leaders unaware of discrepancies until the end of the financial year.
Rubanda District Chairperson Stephen Ampaire Kasyaba expressed that the amendment is long overdue. Kasyaba, who also serves on the Select Committee on Local Government Act reforms, stated that significant amounts of money have been returned to the national treasury without the district chairpersons’ knowledge.
CUE IN KASYABA……ON AMENDMENT………RR/ENG//
Kisoro District Chairperson Abel Bizimana echoed these concerns, noting that LC5 chairpersons struggle to fulfill their oversight responsibilities without access to information about district finances.
However, Bizimana also cautioned against making chairpersons signatories to district accounts, warning that it could expose them to liability in audit queries.
CUE IN BIZIMANA……ON THE MATTER……..RR/ENG//
