Accountants in lower local governments have been urged to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the management of public resources to enhance service delivery across the country.

The call was made by Silver Tindizirarira, the Assistant Commissioner in charge of District Inspection at the Ministry of Local Government, while addressing accountants from selected districts in Central, Western, and Northern Uganda during a training on basic bookkeeping skills in Hoima City.

Tindizirarira noted that local governments are the foundation of service delivery and that effective financial management is critical to community development.

He explained that every local government program, including infrastructure development and agricultural projects, passes through the accounts offices, making proper financial management essential for successful implementation and service delivery. Tindizirarira added that proper bookkeeping is not merely a legal requirement but also a cornerstone of public trust, transparency, and accountability.

Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Local Government called on accountants to respect the guidance of internal auditors and strengthen internal controls to ensure proper checks and balances in the management of public funds.

Participants welcomed the training, saying it would help them address common reporting errors and adapt to changes in government accounting systems.

They also noted that local governments are currently implementing reforms in budgeting, the chart of accounts and automated local revenue collection systems, making continuous training essential.

The Ministry of Local Government says strengthening bookkeeping skills and promoting professionalism among local government accountants will enhance accountability, transparency, and efficient service delivery to communities across the country.