Politics 13 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan MPs Slam Weak Audit Follow-Up as Domestic Arrears Reach Shs9 Trillion
Ugandan MPs have criticized the lack of strict enforcement on audit recommendations, blaming it for the surge in domestic arrears to around Shs9 trillion, which is crippling private businesses. They demand harsher penalties for accounting officers and stronger audit measures to ensure accountability. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mps-fault-weak-follow-up-on-audit-reports-as-arrears-hit-shs9-trillion-5389628
Members of Parliament in Uganda are pushing for tougher penalties against officials who ignore audit recommendations, as verified domestic arrears climb to approximately Shs9 trillion. This was highlighted during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
PAC deputy chairperson Gorreth Namugga noted that recurring issues in audit reports stem from accounting officers disregarding Parliament and Auditor General advice. She pointed to unrealistic budgeting, where entities commit funds beyond allocations, with no reprimands issued.
At the current clearance rate of Shs200 billion annually, it could take 48 years to resolve the arrears, Namugga warned. Delayed payments force private firms to take high-interest loans for government contracts, threatening their survival.
MP Betty Ethel Naluyima criticized soft audit recommendations that fail to enforce accountability, citing examples like over-ordering medicines at 32 health facilities, resulting in Shs8.04 billion in expired stock at National Medical Stores and Shs2.648 billion at facilities.
Gilbert Olanya questioned why over 600 entities receive unqualified audit opinions despite evident mismanagement. Auditor General Edward Akol pledged to enhance compliance and follow-up on findings.
A Budget Committee report pegged total arrears at Shs13.188 trillion by June 2025, including budgeted Bank of Uganda redemptions.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)