IGG warns Acholi local leaders against using gov’t funds to facilitate Oulanyah’s burial

The Inspector General of Government –IGG has warned the local leaders in Acholi Sub–Region against using the government funds to contribute to the funeral of the late former Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah who breathed his last in Seattle, USA on February 20th, 2022.

This follows a resolution by LC V chairpersons in the districts in Acholi Sub–Region at Bomah Hotel in Kitgum District on March 21st, 2022 to contribute money from their respective districts towards the burial of the deceased.

The leaders argued that the money would help to transport mourners to and from the burial grounds in Lalogi Sub–County in Omoro district. Part of the money would be given to the deceased’s family as condolence fees.

On March 29th, Pader Chief Administrative Officer, Alex Chelimo, wrote a letter directing Town Clerks and Sub–County Chiefs in the district to send Shillings 500,000 and 300,000 respectively to support Oulanyah’s burial. He recalled the letter when the IGG said the decision was illegal and attracts penalties.

Geoffrey Matovu, the Regional Inspectorate Officer in Gulu told the press that it would be a double expenditure if the districts in Acholi Sub–Region use money from the government to contribute to the funeral since Oulanyah will be accorded a state funeral.

According to Matovu, the districts can raise money from individuals and well-wishers who want to contribute to the funeral since the government money is tied to specific activities.

He disclosed that a number of other districts in Acholi Sub–Region are going ahead with their contributions but that it should not be in accordance with the resolutions of the district chairpersons since it’s illegal.

Sisto Oyet, the Lamwo District LC V Chairperson says that he was surprised to learn that Pader wanted to use money from the local government accounts. He also refutes claims that they passed a resolution to contribute money from their local government accounts.

According to Oyet, the district chairpersons agreed to contribute money from individuals and well-wishers towards the funeral. Oulanyah’s remains shall be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Ayom-lony Village, Lologi Sub-County in Omoro District on Friday this week.