Jinja City Council Clarifies Shs4.2B Treasury Return
Jinja City Council Denies Mismanagement Claims, Cites Misinformation Amidst Budget Controversy
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Jinja, Uganda – Jinja City Council has vehemently refuted claims of financial mismanagement and the alleged return of billions of shillings to the treasury due to bureaucratic delays. The council attributes the controversy to misinformation and disinformation, potentially orchestrated by individuals with ulterior motives, particularly as key political figures prepare for upcoming elections.
Clarifying Budget Utilization and Revenue Collection
The council has specifically addressed reports suggesting that Jinja City received a supplementary budget of Shs 11.7 billion but only utilized Shs 7.4 billion. According to the council, this figure represents anticipated local revenue for the 2023/24 financial year, of which Shs 8.2 billion was successfully collected.
“It is also not true that Jinja city received a Supplementary Budget of 11.7Bn and only utilized 7.4Bn.The 7.4Bn was anticipated Local Revenue to be collected in that financial year of 2023/24 and out of this Council managed to collect 8.2Bn out of which Council was able to procure a motor grader and a Roller and provisions of other sections…” stated a council representative.
The council assured the public that any return of funds was a routine procedural matter and did not signify financial mismanagement.”We are committed to clarity and accountability in our financial dealings,” emphasized Ndahura, adding that the Town Hall remains dedicated to ensuring public funds are utilized responsibly and efficiently.
Allegations of political Motivation and Disinformation Campaign
The council alleges that the recent news articles surrounding the return of funds are a product of misinformation and disinformation, potentially spread by individuals seeking to tarnish the reputation of city leaders and manipulate public opinion.
“it’s unfortunate that some individuals are using misinformation to tarnish the reputation of our leaders and manipulate public opinion…,” sources within the council revealed.
This situation is described as a common practise in Ugandan politics, where misinformation and disinformation are frequently employed during campaign periods to discredit rival politicians or settle personal scores. Civil servants, too, have been known to engage in such tactics, often driven by perceived grievances against political figures. In Uganda, civil servants are expected to maintain political neutrality and impartiality, refraining from partisan activities that could compromise their integrity or that of the civil service. Engaging in clandestine methods to promote partisan interests is considered unethical and a potential violation of the civil service code of conduct.
Targeting Mayor Kasolo and Speaker mbayo Ahead of Elections
According to some analysts, the recent actions appear to be aimed at campaigning against Mayor Rio Alton Peter Kasolo and Speaker Bernard Mbayo, both prominent figures affiliated with opposition parties - NUP and FDC, respectively.
It is indeed evident that certain individuals are attempting to leverage this issue for political gain, bringing up the 2023/24 report at this juncture to damage the reputations of Kasolo, who is seeking re-election, and Mbayo, who is contesting the Jinja South West Constituency MP seat. By doing so,sources suggest,the intention is to portray Kasolo and Mbayo as ineffective leaders out of touch with the city’s challenges.
The council also highlighted that the Mayor and Speaker have distinct roles and responsibilities, with the Town Clerk, Edward Lwanga, serving as the legally recognized accounting officer.
Background: The Daily Monitor Report
The Daily Monitor had previously reported that Jinja City Council returned Shs 4.2 billion to the Treasury, citing bureaucratic delays and poor planning by city technical officials, and unutilized funds meant for vital services. Though, the council has now clarified that this information was inaccurate. The funds in question, they explained, were derived from local revenues allocated for staff recruitment, which could not be utilized due to a recruitment halt and a subsequent payroll audit.
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