Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Natural Resources, Herbert Edmond Ariko, has revealed that about Shs25 billion meant to clear arrears owed to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has not yet been released by several government institutions.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament, Ariko said the issue stems from non-compliance with the legal provisions of the Public Finance Management Act. He noted that although Parliament secured up to Shs81 billion to clear accumulated water bill arrears, a significant portion remains unpaid.
According to Ariko, institutions including the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Uganda Police Force, and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Community Development have not yet released approximately Shs25 billion to NWSC.
He warned that diverting funds allocated for arrears to other uses amounts to misuse of public resources, emphasizing that such funds are ring-fenced and must be used strictly for their intended purpose.
The legislator added that the committee will raise the matter in its report and follow up with the Budget Committee, which had earlier pledged to take action against non-compliant institutions.
Ariko further cautioned that Parliament will continue monitoring the situation to ensure accountability and proper use of public funds.
