MUHANGA- Members of audit committees from various districts were urged to be conversant with the procedures for management of public finances to ensure thorough implementation of the funds.

The call was made by Manasseh Twahirwa, the director of Audit Committee in the Ministry of Finance, while opening a workshop on Public Finance Management (PFM), held in Nyamabuye sector this Thursday.

The training attracted members of audit committees from districts in the southern and western provinces.

The committee members were recently constituted and mandated to oversee and advise on the use of government funds at the district level.

The two-day training is aimed at equipping them with skills in PFM and financial reporting, audit committee regulations, and deepening understanding of audit committee responsibilities.

Twahirwa said; "these committees have full authority and the law empowers them to monitor the use of public funds. It’s therefore their responsibility to ensure that taxpayers’ money is put to proper use.”

He expressed optimism that the members would use the training to become good managers and overseers of district funds and technically get involved in internal controls, compliance, financial reporting and procurement frameworks.

"The audit committees were put in place to assist district councils and top management to maintain oversight over public funds and monitor the use of such funds,” he said.

Christine Muhongayire, a member of Nyaruguru audit committee said that the training will give the auditors the courage to be proactive and get involved in the district finances.

"We have not been clearly aware of our responsibilities, but with this training, I am hopeful to be confident and clear of my role in managing public funds, to question and advise district leaders without creating antagonism,” Muhongayire stated.

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