20091203

Kampala — TECHNICAL and political leaders in Iganga district accused of misappropriating over sh350m meant for the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) have agreed to pay back the money. While this action should be lauded because the corrupt rarely admit guilt, the refund should be followed by other punitive sanctions including criminal prosecution to act as a deterrent to others.

It seems clear now that NAADS is one of the most abused government programmes and investigations should be extended to other districts. This was a well-intentioned programme, aimed at poverty reduction through increased household incomes, commercialisation of agriculture and food security. However, it has failed to achieve its objectives due to corruption.

Over sh80b has been sent to the various districts to fight poverty under the NAADS programme. The bulk of the NAADS money - 75% is sent directly to the sub-counties to benefit those at the grassroots.

The NAADS Secretariat in Kampala receives only 13% while districts retain 12%. However, since inception in 2001, the impact of this programme in transforming people's lives and promoting more efficient farming techniques has remained limited.

In a meeting with the public accounts committee two months ago, none of the chief administrative officers from the 80 districts was able to provide satisfactory accountability of the NAADS funds.

The funds were discovered lost in a sophisticated scheme, with numerous incidences of under-supply, price inflation, double payment or outright theft since some payments lacked supporting documents.

Some CAOs blamed lack of accountability to insecurity, political interference and ignorance of procurement regulations.

The committee chairperson, Nandala Mafabi, however, declared that nobody will be forgiven for mismanaging public funds.

Guidelines for the disbursements of public funds are clear. Time is up for civil servants to hide under the guise of political interference. The corrupt should not only be made to refund the stolen money but face other punitive sanctions if we are to rout corruption from this country.

allafrica