Pader district senior officers fail to produce accountability before PAC

By Regina Lalam

After a thorough interrogation, Achan Clare Acaye who is the focal point person for planning failed to “produce the evidence-based claim of how she took four months to travel from Pader to Kampala to submit a draft budget”.

 Pader – 2, June 2021: The Pader district chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee has adjourned a meeting initially scheduled to ascertain the accountability of the different sectors of the district departments.

The decision to adjourn the exercise follows the disappearance of majority of accounts papers (documents) from the respective departmental accountants.

Mr. Omony Ogaba, who is the chairperson public accounts committee for Pader, says issues concerning departmental accountants refusing to submit reports to the district internal auditor are very rampant.

He added that each of them must produce accountability report, must produce evidence to show that he or she has submitted the reports.

He further expressed concern that many have intentionally declined.

According to Mr. Ogaba, “any form of lame excuse without evidence is liable for the loss incurred”.

After a thorough interrogation, Achan Clare Acaye who is the focal point person for planning failed to “produce the evidence-based claim of how she took four months to travel from Pader to Kampala to submit a draft budget”.

She was soon helped by the district internal auditor who reported that she used a total of UGX 805,000 “for her health benefit”.

Mr. Ogaba further tasked her to go back and check her job descriptions if it allows her to benefit from the health fund the way she did.

The Local Government PAC has the power to order any member of the district council, local government officials, suppliers or contractors to appear before it to provide any explanation on any matter under PAC inquiry.