The Auditor General, Edward Akol, has revealed that 1,389 public servants who were absorbed by seven rationalised government entities were illegally paid a total of Shs46.8 billion as compensation.

In his report for the financial year ending 2025, Akol noted that government—through guidance from the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Public Service—had clearly directed that no compensation should be paid to employees of dissolved agencies who are redeployed within the public service, except for those whose services are terminated.

According to the report, out of 1,492 staff absorbed by various government entities, 1,389 who were taken on by the seven rationalised entities received compensation payments amounting to Shs46.8 billion, contrary to the established guidelines.

Akol also raised concern over persistent staffing shortages in the public service. He revealed that out of 658,104 approved positions, only 356,504 are currently filled, leaving a staffing gap of 301,600 positions.

The report shows that referral hospitals are the most affected, with staffing shortages standing at 71 per cent. They are followed by primary health care services and public universities, both at 68 per cent. The Uganda Prisons Service is operating with a staffing shortfall of 48 per cent, while local governments face a deficit of 43 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Auditor General has appealed to Parliament for increased funding to help address its own staffing shortages and to facilitate the acquisition of more vehicles. Akol noted that these resources are critical to enable the office to effectively carry out its mandate, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

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