ABIM – Abim District local government in Karamoja sub-region is on the spot for failure to account for UGX35million sent to the district by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The pressure to account for the money follows a notice served to the district by UNFPA directing the local government to refund or account for the funds received
The funds in question were sent to the district in efforts to expedite the implementation of various projects such as family planning, immunization, outreaches and other health-related programs.
According to the demand letter, UNFPA has written to Abim a copy that PML daily has obtained dated on March 5, 2019, reads,
“Following our visits to Abim district offices on 19th November 2018, below is the summary of our findings: Shs 36,582,000 that was received by the district from UNFPA was withdrawn at once instead of when the activities were expected to take place, it was not possible to trace the available accountability to any particular activity since the documents in the file were not clearly marked. Some of the accountability documents did not have dates, description of the activity and description of the expenditure type. The documents were filed without the order of either date activity implementation. The district is therefore requested to provide proper accountability or refund Ug Shs 36,582,000 to UNFPA if the accountability is not available. We would appreciate if we can receive your response of action taken by 30th March 2019,” the letter signed off by Country representative UNFPA, Alain Sibenaler served to Abim chief administrative officer.
When contacted Mr. Emmanuel Ofono, the Chief Administrative officer declined to return calls. However, the Senior Assistant Chief Administrative officer who doubles as district PRO, Mr Nelson Olwit confirmed receipt of the letter from UNFPA, affirming the district was finalizing with its accountability.
Abim district in Karamoja sub-region has in the past been on the spot for diversion of funds from development partners; the district in bad books with development partners.
In July last year, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) suspended funding to the local government over failure to account for UGX2 billion meant for health, education and other community services.
The Ministry of Local Government technical team investigated the district and ordered the immediate suspension of the Abim District Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Mr. Germinate Oryomo, over alleged abuse of office.
