{UAH} Audit reveals ministry staff shared Shs1.5b

Kampala

Senior officials at the Ministry of Public Service have been implicated in alleged abuse and outright swindling of government money.

A government audit report for the year ended June 30, 2013, shows that billions of shillings were either swindled or misused.

For instance, contrary to standing orders, Shs83.6 million was paid to personal accounts of two officials, Mr Ali Atabua and Mr Charles Govile Agondua, purportedly as refund for borrowed funds. However, the Auditor General observes that there is no proof that the two officials lent money to the government in their personal capacity and for what purpose. 
“…the whole amount refunded appears doubtful; the funds in question therefore remain unaccounted for,” reads the Auditor General’s management letter in part.

In addition, out of the Shs443.4 million that was deposited on the personal bank accounts of civil servants, Shs112.9 million remains unaccounted for and is not reflected in the ministry’s financial statements.

Government financial regulations prohibit accountants to deposit public funds on personal accounts. Another Shs200 million for daily office expenses (imprest) was abused. The ministry staff also paid themselves Shs62.4 million as compensation for annual leave, contrary to standing orders.

They also paid out Shs596.8 million as night allowances on quarterly basis. 
“The allowance was paid on quarterly basis and not activity-based, since officers were not travelling anywhere. In absence of proper justification, the above payments are irregular,” reads the AG’s letter.

Other questionable payments include Shs156 million paid out as honoraria but no supporting documents were given to the auditors to show how the money was disbursed.

cobore@ug.nationmedia.com

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