Lamwo CFO directs headteachers to maintain proper financial statements

The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) of Lamwo district, represented by Franklin Okot, has issued a stern directive to all headteachers in the district, urging them to maintain accurate and up-to-date monthly financial statements for their respective schools.

Speaking during a meeting with head teachers held at Child Care Primary school, Padibe town council, Lamwo district, Okot revealed that a recent audit report raised concerns over poor financial recordkeeping by several schools.

He noted that many headteachers have not been adhering to the financial accountability guidelines provided by the Ministry of Education and Sports, as well as the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

“We have noticed a worrying trend where schools are not documenting their financial transactions properly,” said Okot. “Every shilling sent to schools must be accounted for. These are public funds, and we must demonstrate transparency and responsibility.”

Okot emphasized the importance of keeping well-updated books of accounts, particularly the cash book, which should reflect all expenditures in real time. He also highlighted the need for proper petty cash management and regular reconciliation of school accounts.

Education officials support the move

Lamwo District Education Officer, Banabas Langoya, backed the CFO’s directive, stating that the lack of financial discipline among some school administrators has negatively impacted service delivery.

“When financial records are not in order, it becomes difficult for us to assess how funds are being used to improve learning outcomes,” Langoya said.

“This directive is timely, and we expect headteachers to take it seriously. It is not just about writing figures but ensuring that school funds are used efficiently and with integrity.”

Headteachers acknowledge challenges, commit to improvements

Several headteachers admitted that although they try their best to comply with financial management guidelines, they often face challenges such as lack of training and limited administrative support.

“Some of us are trained as educators, not accountants,” said Otim John Bosco, the headteacher of Gem Primary School. “We welcome the directive, but we also request that the district organizes regular capacity-building workshops to help us improve our financial management skills.”

Others, like Apio Grace Latto of Lagwel Primary School, noted that while her school maintains financial records, delays in fund disbursement sometimes affect budget execution.

“We prepare budgets, but when funds arrive late or in lower amounts than expected, it disrupts our planned activities,” Apio explained. “Nonetheless, we remain committed to transparency and are ready to work closely with district officials.”

Community voices call for accountability and better services

Parents and community members also weighed in, calling for greater accountability from school administrators and local government.

“We send our children to school expecting quality education, but if the money is not managed well, it affects everything from textbooks to sanitation,” said Paul Onen, a parent in Padibe town council. “Headteachers must be responsible stewards of public resources.”

Grace Lawino, a member of a school management committee, urged the district to include community representatives in financial monitoring.

“When we are involved, it builds trust and reduces suspicion. We can help monitor how funds are being used on the ground,” she said.

A call for collaborative action

As part of budgeting and financial management practices, each school is required to prepare an annual budget and a comprehensive financial statement capturing all sources of income and expenditures.

These documents must include unspent balances from the previous year and align expected revenues with the school’s planned activities.

Okot concluded by warning that schools failing to comply with the new directive would face administrative consequences, including possible audits and sanctions.

“Let us all work together to ensure that our schools are well-funded, well-managed, and focused on delivering quality education to our children,” he said.

The district has announced plans to roll out training sessions for school administrators and finance committees to ensure smooth implementation of the directive.