finance 3 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Public Accountants Urged to Tackle Mounting Government Arrears
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has called on public sector accountants to proactively address the growing accumulation of government arrears, emphasizing the need for improved financial management and accountability. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/finance/accountants-warned-as-govt-arrears-mount-5583144
The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has issued a stern warning to accountants working within government institutions regarding the escalating issue of unpaid government dues. Minister Henry Musasizi highlighted that a significant amount of money is owed to various government entities, impacting service delivery and financial stability.
Accountants have been urged to adopt more rigorous financial management practices to prevent the further accumulation of these arrears. This includes ensuring timely and accurate reconciliation of accounts, prompt follow-up on outstanding payments, and transparent reporting of financial status. The minister stressed that professional accountability is paramount in resolving this challenge.
The accumulation of arrears poses a considerable risk to the government’s fiscal health, potentially hindering its ability to fund essential public services and development projects. The call to action aims to strengthen internal controls and foster a culture of financial discipline across all government departments and agencies.
Minister Musasizi emphasized that accountants are the gatekeepers of public funds and play a critical role in safeguarding these resources. Their diligence and adherence to professional standards are crucial in ensuring that government finances are managed effectively and that all legitimate dues are collected and accounted for. Failure to address this issue could lead to more severe consequences for both individual officers and the institutions they represent.
The government is reportedly exploring new strategies and potentially tighter regulations to enforce compliance and improve the collection of outstanding payments. The focus is on ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and that all financial obligations are met promptly to support the nation’s economic growth and development agenda.
Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/finance/accountants-warned-as-govt-arrears-mount-5583144