District councilors called to enforce accountability for Central Government funds

The minister's remarks came during a meeting with numerous councillors from various districts within the triangle at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi on Wednesday.

Addressing the councillors, Hon Kaboyo highlighted a concerning lack of awareness about the funds being allocated by the central government for local development initiatives.

“It seems from what I have heard, that you don't know much about the monies we are sending you, and this is where the smart people are taking advantage," she said

“I therefore urge you to leave this palace with the knowledge you have acquired and go to those public offices and ask questions about how these monies are being spent. You must appreciate that you are the bosses and you have the powers as the representatives of our people. If you don't act, it is our people that will lose out on the government services,” Hon Kaboyo stated.

Hon Kaboyo also shed light on the issue of misuse of funds by district leaders, including Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), attributing it to the absence of rigorous oversight by the councils.

She took the opportunity to educate the councillors about two significant funds managed by her ministry, the Parish Community Associations (PCA) and the Micro-Project funds, which have been disbursed to districts including Kassanda, Nakaseke, Mubende, Kamwenge, and Kiboga during her tenure.

The retreat revealed that some councillors were not fully informed about these funds, as evidenced by the concerns raised.

Robert Namara from Kamwenge district underscored the necessity for adequate orientation regarding the funds for local leaders. Bwambale Manase of Kassanda urged for a more systematic approach to the funds, including timely council notifications about their receipt. Hajjat Haawa Namakula from Mubende suggested that councils should have the authority to allocate these resources.

Minister Kaboyo updated the councillors on the ministry's other endeavors in their districts, which encompass the distribution of iron sheets to educational and religious institutions, construction of housing for selected civilian veterans, and the development of classroom blocks and staff housing for schools, among other projects.

The retreat, aimed at enhancing the accountability and effectiveness of local governance, is set to be officially concluded by President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday.