Masindi Municipal Councilors reject Shs510m AFCON supplementary budget
“Council cannot approve a budget that has already been spent without our knowledge and authorization,” Nangobi said.
Masindi: Masindi Municipal Councilors have rejected a Shs510 million supplementary budget intended to support preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), demanding accountability over money they say was spent without prior approval from council.
The money was allocated to the municipality for AFCON-related activities, including cleaning and beautification of Masindi town.
The matter came up during a council meeting after the Secretary for Finance, Benjamin Tumukwasibwe, moved a motion seeking approval of the supplementary budget for the 2025/2026 financial year.
However, councilors questioned why the funds had already been spent before the supplementary budget was presented to council for approval.
Nangobi Aisha, the councilor representing Kibwona and Kisiita Ward, said council could not approve expenditure that had been undertaken without its knowledge or authorization.
“Council cannot approve a budget that has already been spent without our knowledge and authorization,” Nangobi said.
She called for intervention by the Public Accounts Committee and the Auditor’s Office to investigate how the Shs510 million was utilized.
Fatumah Nyangoma, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, said she had not been informed about the expenditure and demanded a detailed breakdown of how the money was used.
Betty Kyomuhendo, the Masindi Municipal Council Speaker also tasked the Secretary for Finance to explain the authority under which the supplementary funds were spent before council approval.
She further asked Town Clerk Paul Moko to explain the circumstances surrounding the expenditure.
Moko defended the decision, saying the municipality acted because the funds were tied to an emergency and there was a risk of losing the money if it was not utilized before the end of the financial year.
Rogers Amanyire, the Masindi Municipal Mayor also defended the municipal executive, saying council should appreciate its efforts to secure and utilize the funds instead of allowing them to be returned.
Despite the explanations from the municipal leadership, councilors declined to approve the supplementary budget.
They demanded accountability and clarification on how the Shs510 million allocated for AFCON preparations was spent.
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