WHEN THE government introduced audit missions in 2000, over 90 audits were carried out in ministries, government agencies, provinces and districts within two years. By 2012, the strategy had paid off as the levels of embezzlement of public funds had drastically dropped from Rwf657 million in 2010/2011 financial year, to about Rwf22.8 million in the 2011/2012 financial year. The success of audit missions is a testimony of Rwanda’s broader anti-corruption stance which has put the country among the least corrupt in the world. Following the success of audit missions to clamp down on misuse of public funds, the Office of the Auditor General was established in 2003, with a mission to publish honest reports on the use and management of public resources. Today, the Auditor General will make a presentation to parliament about the audit report for the financial year 2012/2013. We expect the report to show more improvement in the public funds management and accountability compared to last year’s report which didn’t shed a very nice picture is some government departments. Overall improved public accountability is crucial in achieving the country’s vision 2020 aimed at making Rwanda a middle income country. Prudent management of public funds is the first step to stamping out corruption and being accountable to the citizens who pay the taxes.
