|
|
| |
| Assessing External Audit Practices On The Management Of Public Funds In Uganda Case Study Gulu District
Download PDF
|
Odong Micheal, Irumba Alex, Musiimenta Nancy
|
Abstract:
This study sought to examine the external audit practices that were applied to evaluate the management of public funds in Gulu District, Uganda. Government entities at the local level receive substantial resources from taxpayers to finance service delivery and community development initiatives. However, allegations of misuse and misappropriation of these resources frequently emerge. External audits by the Office of the Auditor General are mandated to provide oversight over the use of public monies. However, the effectiveness of these audits in enhancing accountability and deterring financial misconduct had not been established in Gulu District. The research employed a mixed methods approach, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. Government departments and agencies in Gulu District that were audited in the previous three fiscal years were surveyed using a structured questionnaire to gather information about the audit process and outcomes. In-depth interviews were also conducted with audit professionals and local government officials. Documents such as audit reports and financial statements were reviewed. The findings revealed that while external audits were routinely conducted, several weaknesses undermined their value in improving fiscal responsibility. From the findings the study established that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that accountability helps in the preparation of budget as shown by mean of 1.45, efficiency and effectiveness of how money is managed as shown by mean 1.30, helps in checking costing orders, invoices and reconciliation as shown by mean 1.25 in each case, and finally that transparency and good governance minimizes corruption within government as shown by a mean of 1.49. Gulu district should look forward to establishing internal checks and balances of all accounting/financial statements and transactions, ensure effective internal audit for the enhanced performance, ensure strong and denied access from the un authorized personnel to access the accounting information system, strictly safe guard the public assets and ensure proper utility or usage of the public assists, ensure frequent statutory audit for the local government among others hence improvement and enhancement of resource accountability, quality service delivery and economic efficiency.
|
|
|
| | |