Graft slows decentralization
Nov 29, 2003
CORRUPTION in local governments is a key problem in implementing the decentralisation programme in Uganda, Tarsis Kabwegyere, the Local government minister, has said.
By George Bita
CORRUPTION in local governments is a key problem in implementing the decentralisation programme in Uganda, Tarsis Kabwegyere, the Local government minister, has said.
Kabwegyere said it was sad that donors’ money to Ugandans ends up being misappropriated.
“Why should local leaders get drunk on such monies and shout themselves hoarse at drinking joints telling everybody how they amassed their ill-gotten wealth? he asked.
Kabwegyere was addressing local councillors and civil servants of Iganga district at the district council grounds recently.
He said Iganga district local government was to receive grants worth sh17.6b during the current financial year, implying an additional sh2.5b as previously the district was getting sh15.1b annually.
“Our records show that Iganga local government raises about sh214m per annum from local tax collections hence much of their activities depend on central government releases,†Kabwegyere said.
He said it was everyone’s concern to ensure that the money is well utilised by the local authorities since the ministry cannot solely monitor the usage of these funds.
“It is you people to stay awake and play the watch-dog role for your own good. The CAO can easily account for how he used the money even if it was not used for local government work at all,†Kabwegyere said.
He said Uganda’s problem was not money but the increased corruption.
Ends
CORRUPTION in local governments is a key problem in implementing the decentralisation programme in Uganda, Tarsis Kabwegyere, the Local government minister, has said.
Kabwegyere said it was sad that donors’ money to Ugandans ends up being misappropriated.
“Why should local leaders get drunk on such monies and shout themselves hoarse at drinking joints telling everybody how they amassed their ill-gotten wealth? he asked.
Kabwegyere was addressing local councillors and civil servants of Iganga district at the district council grounds recently.
He said Iganga district local government was to receive grants worth sh17.6b during the current financial year, implying an additional sh2.5b as previously the district was getting sh15.1b annually.
“Our records show that Iganga local government raises about sh214m per annum from local tax collections hence much of their activities depend on central government releases,†Kabwegyere said.
He said it was everyone’s concern to ensure that the money is well utilised by the local authorities since the ministry cannot solely monitor the usage of these funds.
“It is you people to stay awake and play the watch-dog role for your own good. The CAO can easily account for how he used the money even if it was not used for local government work at all,†Kabwegyere said.
He said Uganda’s problem was not money but the increased corruption.
Ends