Ramadan Goobi, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, is under scrutiny for failing to account for 1.5 trillion shillings used in excess during the 2023/2024 financial year . This follows the release of audited reports that revealed significant discrepancies in revenue collection and expenditure.
Key Figures from the Audited Reports:
- Actual Revenue Collected: 47.110 trillion shillings
- Government Expenditure: 48.680 trillion shillings
Budget Details:
- Initial Budget: 52.7 trillion shillings
- Revised Budget: 56 trillion shillings
- Actual Budget Execution: 61.67 trillion shillings
The figures indicate that the government spent 1.5 trillion shillings more than the revenue collected, raising serious concerns about fiscal discipline and accountability.
Appearance Before the Public Accountability Committee:
Ramadan Goobi and his team appeared before the Public Accountability Committee to respond to queries regarding the mismanagement of funds. Members of Parliament (MPs) accused Goobi of gross budget indiscipline and demanded an explanation for the excess expenditure.
During the session, Goobi struggled to provide a clear and satisfactory explanation for the source of the excess funds used during the financial year under review. His failure to account for the 1.5 trillion shillings has sparked outrage among lawmakers, who are now calling for stricter oversight and accountability measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
MPs' Concerns:
MPs on the committee expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. They emphasized that such financial mismanagement undermines public trust and hampers the country's development agenda. The committee has vowed to pursue the matter further to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Next Steps:
The Public Accountability Committee is expected to compile a detailed report on the findings and recommend appropriate actions. This may include further investigations, sanctions, or reforms to strengthen fiscal discipline and ensure proper utilization of public resources.
Conclusion:
The failure to account for 1.5 trillion shillings highlights significant gaps in budget execution and financial oversight. As the government faces increasing pressure to address these issues, the outcome of this investigation will be crucial in restoring public confidence and ensuring accountability in the management of Uganda's finances.
