RUBAVU – A three day workshop for Government Chief Budget managers started on Monday at Serena Hotel, Rubavu district with a call on participants to always ensure proper accountability of public funds.

Opening the workshop, the Minister of Finance, John Rwangombwa, urged the chief budget managers present to address flaws in the management of public finances, including avoiding breaching procurement rules and regulations.

He cited the 2008 Auditor General’s report which shows that over Rwf 4.2 billion was unaccounted for in various government ministries, as an indication that some budget officers were not keen on accountability.

"You should understand the gravity of mistakes made in financial management, whereas there is no evidence that the money (Rwf4.2 billion), was misused, it is clear that this scenario is one where there is a clear lack of supporting financial documents,’’ Rwangombwa said.

The minister added that the workshop is meant to address such challenges. He revealed that the government will soon be rolling out a project meant to tackle such challenges.

In a report presented from the Auditor General office, one of the weaknesses cited was non compliance with articles 70, 71, of the organic law on state finances and properties regarding deadlines, accuracy and compliance.

The training was attended by senior Government executives. It is meant to assess planning, budgeting, procurement, accounting and auditing within Government.

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