500 miss deadline to declare wealth

Most civil servants in rural districts failed to declare their wealth, according to the 2011/12 wealth declaration report.The report, authored by the Ombudsman’s office, indicates that civil servants in rural districts had failed to meet the deadline for wealth declaration.According to the report, 7,664 out of 8,154 civil servants, in the country had declared their wealth while 494 civil servants, at the district level, failed to meet the deadline.The Ombudsman’s office is still receiving explanations as to why some did not meet the deadline. “The common explanation is that electronic declaration introduced last financial year limits them due to an unstable network. After the deadline, the system closes and that is it,” explained Augustine Nzindukiyimana the acting Chief Ombudsman.Nzindukiyimana pointed out that as a punishment, such officials receive warnings and job based penalties like low ranking in appraisal among others depending on the frequency of the offence.He noted that the explanations provided by the civil servants were understandable.Government officials are required by law enacted in 2004 to annually submit their declaration of income, assets and liabilities by June 30, as part of efforts to combat corruption.Other wealth indicators considered are land, cars, houses and cash.Those supposed to declare their wealth include ministers, judges, MPs, police, army and prisons officers, heads of departments, local governments and district employees.The highest punishment for persons who fail to comply with this law, according to the sources from the office of Ombudsman, is the possibility of suspension without pay.

National

500 miss deadline to declare wealth