Display of government budget is accountability to the citizens

trueBy Steven Masiga

I have on several occasions attended public rallies and functions presided over by the president and on his countrywide tours.

I feel the president has led credence to the notion that all public funds received by either any government unit needs to be displayed so that citizens understand that the government is addressing their national needs.

On many occasions the head of state has tasked chief administrative officers (CAOs) and other chief accounting officers to explain to those in attendance what they received say for NAADs, NUSAF and roads among others.

I am very much cognizant of the fact that the head of state is a thoroughly informed person and the answers from CAOs are not for his own benefit but for the benefit of the audience, and if the government units had attempted to display all their releases from the Centre and then consequently the expenditure, during such presidential tours, then the audience would chorus 400 million NAADS, 300 NUSAF, 600 million Roads. This would ignite a smile on His Excellence’s face.

Recently, the 2014/2015 the National budget was read and now should be made accessible to all Ugandans. The seriousness of any government’s attempt to educate its citizens should reflect in the information it shares with them.
 

I particularly commend the ministry of Finance for having opened a website to give information to the public on its transaction, an additional initiative by advocates coalition for Development & Environment (ACODE) and innovation for poverty Action Again in partnership with the finance ministry.

Tthrough the budget transparency and accountability initiative (CBTIC) the ministry is doing a commendable job across the country in selected districts in encouraging all government units to display funds received from the various higher units of government.

Aafter all, what is public is for the public and such patriotic efforts by these organizations should be escalated across all districts and other government units for purposes of transparency to the tax payers.

Coordinator Makerere University
Mbale Centre.