IG warns local councils against using gov’t cash for Oulanyah’s burial

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Inspectorate of Government-IG has warned local leaders in Acholi sub region against using government funds to contribute to the funeral of the late Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah who breathed his last in Seattle, US.

This follows a resolution by LCV chairpersons in districts of Acholi sub region at Bomah Hotel in Kitgum, to contribute money from their respective districts towards the burial of the deceased.

The leaders argued that the money would help transport mourners to and from the burial grounds in Lalogi sub county, Omoro district. Part of the money would be given to the deceased’s family as condolence fees.

Pader Chief Administrative Officer Alex Chelimo, wrote directing town clerks and sub county chiefs in the district to send Shillings 500,000 and 300,000 respectively to support Oulanyah’s burial. He recalled the letter when the IGG said the decision was illegal and attracts penalties.

Geoffrey Matovu, the regional inspectorate officer in Gulu told URN in an interview that it would a double expenditure if the districts in Acholi sub region use money from the government vote to contribute to the funeral since Oulanyah will be accorded a state funeral.

According to Matovu, the districts can raise money from individuals and well-wishers to contribute to the funeral if they so wish since the government money is tied to specific activities.

He disclosed that a number of other districts in Acholi sub region are going ahead with their contributions but that it should not be in accordance with the resolutions of the district chairpersons since it’s illegal.

Sisto Oyet, the Lamwo district LCV chairperson told URN in an interview that he was surprised to learn that Pader wanted to use money from the local government accounts. He also refutes claims that they passed a resolution to contribute money from their local government accounts.

According to Oyet, the district chairpersons agreed to contribute money from individuals and well-wishers towards the funeral. Oulanyah’s remains shall be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Ayom-lony village, Lologi sub county in Omoro district on Friday this week.

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