Public Accounts Committees launch investigations into financial discrepancies

Public Accounts Committees (PAC) in Sierra Leone and Uganda are conducting investigations into financial discrepancies and mismanagement within local and national institutions following recent audit reports.

In Sierra Leone, the PAC has ordered a physical verification of projects managed by the Kambia District Council. This follows the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report, which highlighted issues such as payments made without supporting documentation, inadequate revenue mobilization, and unpaid withholding taxes. Acting PAC Chairman Hon. PC Desmond Kargobai stated that the committee must conduct on-site inspections to verify the actual status of projects rather than relying solely on provided documentation.

In Uganda, the PAC is demanding an explanation from the Uganda Police Force regarding a Shs53.7 billion gap in reported contingent liabilities. While liabilities reportedly increased from Shs98 billion to Shs163 billion, a review of quantifiable cases identified only Shs11.2 billion in claims. Committee Chairperson Patrick Nsamba Oshabe emphasized that police management must account for these liabilities to prevent undue burdens on the public purse.