Speaker Anita Among has called on Finance Minister Matia Kasaija to clarify the circumstances under which Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) staff allocated themselves bonuses amounting to Shs14.6 billion.
This figure, which far exceeds the approved Shs11.638 billion, was shared among staff for exceeding revenue targets in the 2021/2022 financial year, but it was done without the required Parliamentary approval.
The Speaker’s demand came during a plenary session on Wednesday following revelations from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Their report, based on the Auditor General’s June 2023 review of government financial statements, revealed that the bonus distribution bypassed Parliamentary approval, as mandated by the Public Finance & Management Act (Section 25), which requires such expenditures to be processed through a Supplementary Budget.
According to URA’s internal policy on bonuses, staff are eligible for a reward only when the authority exceeds the government’s set revenue targets for a specific year.
However, the Speaker said that the discrepancy in the figures raised serious concerns, pointing out that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance to provide a clear explanation.
“We cannot deliberate on this report in the absence of the Minister of Finance. Since it involves technical details and figures, we need comprehensive responses with precise data. As we approach discussions on the National Budget Framework Paper (NBFP), we need to understand past financial actions. The Ministry of Finance is expected to present its explanation to Parliament by 24th October 2024,” Speaker Among stated.
This issue highlights growing concerns about financial oversight and the adherence to legal processes in the management of public funds.
