An evaluation of fund accountability mechanisms used at Ministry of Health - Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the fund accountability mechanisms used at Ministry of Health Uganda, establish the challenges faced and lastly identify the ways for improving fund accountability mechanisms used. The study used a cross-sectional survey design where quantitative approach was mainly used. A sample size of 217 respondents was used and 186 questionnaires were filled by the respondents leading to a response rate of 85.7 percent. The study results were then analyzed using SPSS V20. The findings of the study indicated that service delivery, the budget and financial reporting are the fund accountability mechanism used by the Ministry. In regard to the challenges faced, the study concludes that the Ministry faces lack of political commitment from the state in relation to release of funds for health activities, poor motivation among the staff, and poor data management. The study also concludes having systems for procurement and management of funds, a strong monitoring and supervision systems, supervision and mentorship, use of online reporting, and development of implementation guidelines are the ways that can be used to improve the fund accountability mechanisms. The study recommends top management of Ministry of Health Uganda should invest in having efficient and effective systems for procurement and management of funds. Such a system eliminates fraud and loss of partner funds leading to improved fund accountability mechanisms. In addition, there is need for top management of Ministry of Health Uganda to improve more on supervision and mentor-ship. This can go along way training of staff on how funds should be monitored and accounted for.