The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has come under scrutiny from the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament over its funding and project implementation.
The ministry's officials, led by Permanent Secretary Dr. Aminah Zawedde, appeared before the committee to respond to queries raised in the Auditor General's report for the financial year 2023/2024.
The legislators were shocked to learn that two departments within the ministry only received funding for wages, with no operational funds allocated.
This lack of funding has rendered workers in these departments redundant. "Despite being critical in both the National Development Plan and the National Budget, the Ministry only receives 780 million shillings as development fund," the MPs noted.
The committee also questioned the ministry's officials about the 23 billion shillings warranted to the Ministry with no clear accountability.
In response, the Permanent Secretary explained that the 23 billion shillings was part of the 30 billion shillings the President directed to advance to Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) to improve their broadcasting.
Furthermore, the MPs faulted the ministry for diverting funds meant for establishing ICT Parks and using them to establish and equip ICT hubs without approval from the Ministry of Finance or Parliament.
"The Ministry diverted the funds and used them to establish and equip ICT hubs without approval," the MPs argued.
The committee also raised concerns about the ministry's spending of 14 billion shillings on activities that lacked performance indicators. This has generated a serious debate in the committee, with MPs questioning the effectiveness of the ministry's projects.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, faced tough questions from the legislators, who demanded explanations for the ministry's handling of funds and project implementation.
The committee's chairperson, MP Muwanga Kivumbi, emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
The ICT Ministry's appearance before the Public Accounts Committee highlights the challenges facing the sector, including inadequate funding and poor project implementation.
The committee's scrutiny is expected to ensure that the ministry is held accountable for its use of public funds and that its projects are implemented effectively.