The main functions and activities of the Department are to: -

   1. secure all fiscal resources, and ensure timely requisition.


   2. manage all financial resources by ensuring that all expenditures conform to the budgetary provisions and Government financial regulations.


   3. process payments on time to enable the Ministry operate efficiently.


   4. account for all financial resources.


   5. disseminate policy decisions, rules and regulations to all members of staff.


   6. co-ordinate the recruitment, induction, confirmations, training needs assessment, performance appraisals, leave, promotions, disciplining and retirement of staff.


   7. procure all necessary goods and services in a transparent manner, and ensure their maintenance and cost effective use.


   8. To provide any other necessary administrative support to the Ministry.

Structure and establishment of the Department

The department has three divisions, namely; Personnel, Administration and Accounts. In addition, it has three specialised Support Units namely; the Policy Analysis Unit, Resource Centre and Procurement Unit under the office of the Permanent Secretary. The functions of these Units include carrying out sectoral planning, conducting policy research and monitoring the implementation of ROM; document depository, external image management; as well as procurement and logistics management respectively.

The department has 42 established posts covering the Offices of the Ministers, Permanent Secretary and the Under Secretary. Out of the 42 established posts 36 are filled leaving 6 posts vacant. The Under Secretary is the administrative head of the Department, assisted by the Principal Assistant Secretary, Principal Personnel Officer and the Senior Accountant. Details of posts and scale of staff in the department are shown in Annex 1.

Sector Achievements

In its capacity as a facilitating and service department, Finance and Administration has been able to:

   1. provide other sectors within the Ministry with human, financial and physical resources over the year under review.


   2. set up an ICT network within the Ministry, with the aim of having all the senior officers connected to the Local Area Network (LAN).


   3. provide a linkage with other stakeholders, such as other Government Ministries, the Private Sector, Donors and Civil Society.

Linkages with other Stakeholders

The core function of the department is to facilitate linkages between the Ministry and other relevant Stakeholders. The department has thus been active in promoting the image of the Ministry in various fora, including interacting with the development partners, private sector, and other Ministries. Internally Finance and Administration department plays a key role of providing the binding link with other departments.

Constraints

The departments' operations have been constrained by:

   1. inappropriate organisational structure, inadequate staffing levels and insufficient logistics and equipment.


   2. obsolete or non-existent policy instruments and strategic investment plans.


   3. the continuing uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the merger of UTB/UIA/UEPB, have significantly constrained the activities of the Department. These un-implemented decisions send the wrong signals to staff, development partners and investors.

Strategic Policy Issues
Funding has been secured from the MTCS and the Uganda Sustainable Tourism Development Project to facilitate a functional analysis of the Ministry in the current financial year. The functional analysis will form the analytical basis for the strategic reform of the Ministry, with particular emphasis on review of the structure, staffing levels and functions of the Ministry. 

Click here to read the Ministerial Policy 2009-2010