Ggoobi Warns Accounting Officers of Tough Sanctions Over Budget Rules

What the report says

Uganda’s Ministry of Finance has warned accounting officers in ministries, departments, agencies and local governments that they could face strict penalties if they fail to follow new budget execution rules for the 2026/27 financial year. The warning was delivered by Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi during a meeting with accounting officers from across central and local government, according to Nile Post.

The ministry said sanctions for non-compliance could include non-renewal of contracts, withholding of budget releases, suspension from the Integrated Financial Management System, public disclosure of offenders and referral to oversight institutions. The guidance is part of broader reforms aimed at improving discipline, credibility and accountability in public spending, with the ministry stressing that approved budgets must translate into actual services and programmes.

Nile Post reported that the new rules also centralise counterpart funding under the Treasury Operations Department, require quarterly submissions of funding needs and tighten procurement controls through national framework agreements for common items such as vehicles, IT equipment and tyres. Officials were also instructed to meet payment deadlines for salaries, pensions, taxes and NSSF contributions, and most public contracts must now be denominated in Uganda shillings, except in limited cases.

The ministry has further tightened oversight of the Parish Development Model and public investment projects. In general, such measures reflect a wider government push to reduce delays, limit leakages and improve value for money in spending, though the article’s specific figures and deadlines relate to Uganda’s current budget management framework.