STAFF REPORTER
Several LC5 chairpersons from the Kigezi sub-region are supporting district leaders in Bugisu who are calling for amendments to the District Local Government Act. The proposed changes would designate district chairpersons as signatories on 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) are the main signatories on district accounts. However, many chairpersons contend that funds 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 Steven Ampaire Kasyaba, expressed that this amendment is long overdue. Kasyaba, who is also a member of the Select Committee on Local Government Act reforms, highlighted that significant sums have been returned to the national treasury without the district chairpersons’ knowledge.
Kisoro District Chairperson, Abel Bizimana, shared similar concerns, emphasizing that LC5 chairpersons face challenges in fulfilling their oversight duties due to limited access to district financial information. However, Bizimana also cautioned that granting chairpersons signatory authority could expose them to liability in audit queries.
