The Minister of State for Microfinance, Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, has beseeched local government officials to avoid unauthorized recruitment of staff, wage analysis, and wage increases without the Ministry of Public Service’s approval.

Kyeyune made these remarks while presiding over the Local Government Budget Consultative Workshop for the fiscal year 2025/26 in Masaka city on September 19, 2024.

According to the minister, this will go a long way in ending shortfalls occasioned by wrong wage distribution across all budget categories.

“I urge you to avoid shortfalls occasioned by wrong wage distribution across budget categories, poor wage analysis, incorrect budgeting, and unauthorized recruitment without approval from the Ministry of Public Service,” Kyeyune said.

He further addressed critical issues surrounding staffing levels and wage shortfalls within local governments.

“Local government staffing levels currently average only 60% of the approved structure. This shortfall has significant implications for service delivery and overall governance,” Kyeyune said.

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To tackle these issues, Kyeyune referenced recommendations from a special payroll audit conducted by the Auditor General for the fiscal year 2023/24.

He further noted that these recommendations have informed wage adjustments for the fiscal year 2024/25 and will serve as a framework for wage allocations in the upcoming fiscal year.

The minister stressed that accounting officers must refrain from committing wage expenditures that exceed available resources.

Kyeyune’s remarks underscore the importance of prudent financial management and adherence to established protocols to ensure the effective allocation of funds and resources in local governments.