Latest news with #Shs110
Zawya
11-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Members of Parliament advocate for better funding to improve Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access
Government has been urged to increase funding to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to improve ICT in education through computer supplies, maintenance and infrastructure in schools. Under the Rural Communications Development Fund (RCDF), UCC implemented the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) between 2016 and 2023, to promote use of ICT through broadband connectivity and access. According to a report by the Committee on ICT and National Guidance on the workings of the fund, there is limited supply of computers in secondary schools, which has resulted into overcrowded computer laboratories and limited hands-on time for students. 'The high student to computer ratio makes it difficult for teachers to manage computer based lessons effectively, affecting the quality of education of ICT. At the Uganda Military College, only 60 computers are used by over 200 students whereas Pilkington College has only 40 computers used by 1300 students,' reads the report in part. While presenting the report, the Committee Chairperson, Hon. Tonny Ayoo, observed that schools that have benefited from computers under the fund, have inadequate reliable internet connectivity. This, he noted, has limited access to online educational resources, e-learning platforms and communication tools. 'Government, through UCC, should extend broadband connectivity to all secondary schools. This will eliminate the costs being incurred by schools under the programme from privately meeting the cost of internet connectivity,' Ayoo added. The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, urged the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to work closely with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to avail sufficient funds to improve the country's broadband connection. He observed that out of Shs110 billion appropriated to fund UCC in 2024, only Shs55 billion was availed to the Commission. 'The major aim of creating this fund was traceability of money meant for improvement of communication services in rural areas. But when money goes back to the consolidated fund, it is not easy to trace,' Tayebwa noted. Hon. Anthony Esenu (NRM, Kapelebyong County) urged government to establish adequate infrastructure in schools benefiting from the programme, including computer laboratories to house the computer facilities provided under the fund. Hon. Alfred Edakasi (NRM, Kaberamaido County) called on government to improve electricity access across the country, to enable schools effectively hold ICT lessons. 'Most rural schools have problems with access to ICT services because power is only available once a week, and teachers are labouring on this. The cost of running generators, which most of these schools do not have, also remains a challenge,' said Edakasi. Hon. Abed Bwanika (NUP, Kimaanya-Kabonera Division) emphasised the need for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to provide dedicated power lines to schools, hospitals and public places that offer services to Ugandans. Hon. Laura Kanushu (NRM, PWD Representative) called on government to improve ICT access for students with special needs. 'There is a software called Jaws that learners with visual impairment can ably use, but I do not think these computers have that software. I appeal to government that since this is a right, let one of every batch of computers delivered to schools, have that software,' Kanushu said. The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, said that schools without access to the national power grid, which received computers under the fund, were boosted with solar power. 'If there are schools with computers and no electricity, alert us [ICT Ministry] so that we work with the Ministry of Energy to extend power, or in the intervening period, support these schools with solar energy,' Baryomunsi said. The Minister noted that two loans from the World Bank and the China EXIM Bank, will support the extension of the national backbone infrastructure across the country within the next two years. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Zawya
31-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Budget cuts to affect audit of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDA)
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) will only audit 40 per cent of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) and local governments in the 2024/25 financial year due to a Shs32 billion budget cut. This reduction, which represents 60 per cent of the operational budget required for fieldwork according to the OAG, threatens the integrity of audit reports and limits oversight on public expenditure. With the OAG's overall budget standing at Shs110 billion for the year, the significant cut has raised concerns about its ability to fulfil its mandate. The Assistant Auditor General for Corporate Services, Stephen Kateregga expressed frustration over the financial constraints. 'We suffered a budget cut of almost Shs32 billion, representing almost 30 per cent of our total budget. This will heavily affect the number of reports we can produce in December, even as the scope of audits continues to expand,' Kateregga said. These revelations were made as the Auditor General, Edward Akol and other officials met Members of Parliament on the parliamentary accountability, Finance and Budget committees The Auditor General's Office is mandated to audit government expenditures to ensure accountability. However, Kateregga highlighted that limited funding has made this task increasingly difficult, especially with new and expanding areas requiring oversight. 'Every other year, the audit scope increases. So we are not able to cover our audit scope. We need staff, and operational and field vehicles to cover huge programmes like the Parish Development Model and other related programmes,' he explained. Despite engagements with Parliament and the Ministry of Finance, there are no firm commitments to reverse the budget cut. 'We are having discussions with the committees here, the Speaker and also the Minister of Finance, and there have been promises that this is going to be addressed,' he added. Meanwhile to improve transparency and public engagement, the OAG has introduced digital tools, including a Citizens' Feedback Platform and an Audit Recommendations Tracking Tool. These platforms allow citizens to report service delivery concerns and track the implementation of audit recommendations. He called on Parliament to make use of the Audit Recommendations Tracking Tool, which provides a status update on audit recommendations from the last three to four years. 'If you go on our website, we have already published it. It gives status, entity by entity, and also at the government level,' he said. The Chairperson of the Finance Committee, Hon. Amos Kankunda who represented the Speaker Anita Among in the meeting promised to support the entity in doing its work. 'I want to thank you for helping Parliament and government address the challenges of corruption, weaknesses in accountability system, and poor service deliveries to the citizens,' he said. Kankunda acknowledged the concerns of budget cuts to the entity and pledged to support them. 'We will go an extra mile to find ways of supporting your office to make sure you are able to execute your mandate effectively,' he said. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
