Amolatar, Uganda – Amolatar District officials have assured local councillors that their long-awaited ex gratia payments will be made soon, following a temporary delay caused by the rollout of a new digital payment system.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Paul Mpiiwa, addressing the press on Thursday January 9, 2025, explained that the funds have been transferred to Stanbic Bank, and mobile disbursements will begin next week.
The government recently introduced the Electronic Cash (E-CASH) payment system to replace manual cash payments in response to concerns over fraud and mismanagement of public funds.
According to Mpiiwa, while the system promises long-term benefits, its introduction has faced challenges, leading to delays in processing payments.
“This system was designed to enhance transparency and prevent cases of funds being diverted or misused. The delay is regrettable, but necessary to ensure proper verification and secure distribution of funds,” he stated.
The CAO also dismissed allegations of personal benefit by district officials, emphasizing that E-CASH eliminates such risks by ensuring payments go directly to verified recipients.
A significant challenge encountered during the rollout was the verification of councilors’ details.
Clerk to the Council James Odongo disclosed that several beneficiaries had submitted incomplete or incorrect information, including errors in National Identification Numbers (NINs) and phone contacts, further delaying the process.
“To avoid missing your payment, we urge anyone who submitted inaccurate information to visit my office and provide the correct details immediately. We are committed to ensuring that everyone receives their dues,” Odongo emphasized.
He added that once the verification process is finalized, payments will be disbursed without further delays.
Deputy CAO Geoffery Vuciri encouraged local councilors to remain committed to serving their communities while waiting for their payments.
He noted that despite the current delay, the government’s decision to modernize the payment process was aimed at ensuring long-term efficiency and integrity.
“This transition is a positive step forward, and we ask for your patience as the system stabilizes. Your hard work is recognized, and the government will ensure you are duly compensated,” Vuciri said.
The district leadership acknowledged the frustration caused by the delay but reiterated that the new E-CASH system would not only improve payment efficiency but also safeguard public resources.
Local leaders have expressed cautious optimism, hoping that once the system is fully operational, future payments will be faster and more reliable.
The briefing concluded with a commitment from district officials to closely monitor the process and provide timely updates to councilors.
