By Weswa Ronnie
NATIONAL
The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), has sanctioned Bukedea District, Kumi Municipal Council, Karenga District, and Kotido District in effect delaying payment of December salaries to their civil servants.
According to Jim Mugunga, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the four local government entities have been sanctioned for failing to fulfill statutory obligations.
Mr Mugunga says Bukedea issue is a case caused by indiscipline among district officials. He said the district had been sanctioned and would only regain access to the system after addressing issues raised by the ministry.
“In as far as Bukedea is concerned, the local government is under sanctions due to failure to comply with mandatory statutory submissions. This is a localised issue that the accounting officer is well aware of. Non-timely performance cannot be blamed on MoFPED but should be recognised as an obligation the local government must fulfil to trigger rights to effect payments, including invoicing rights on the system,” Mr Mugunga said.
“The ministry is saddened to note that this local government-originated problem has persisted and calls upon the responsible officers to immediately meet statutory requirements. This delay can easily be resolved by the relevant Bukedea leadership if it elects to fulfil requirements as expected, rather than resort to claims of non-existent system faults,” he added.
Similarly, he says Kumi Municipal Council, Karenga District, and Kotido District have also been sanctioned due to failure by accounting officers to meet statutory obligations.
He says that it should be recalled that the PSST, Rathan Ggoobi has in the past warned accounting officers to behave professionally, be accountable, or risk sanctions and disappointment.
Earlier, Ms Musingwiire, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Service had directed accounting officers to ensure that all civil servants are paid by December 23.
