MMDAs to receive second-quarter DACF transfers this week

Michael Harry Yamson, Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), announced that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) meeting reporting requirements will receive their second-quarter DACF transfers this week. Four MMDAs remain to comply with the conditions for fund release. Funds for compliant assemblies are ready for transfer, while non-compliant ones must wait until they submit necessary returns.

Yamson emphasized that the DACF has strengthened compliance mechanisms to ensure financial accountability and release funds to assemblies meeting reporting standards. The first-quarter transfer process revealed that some assemblies delayed compliance, expecting DACF to release funds regardless of their compliance. Yamson urged assemblies to strengthen their internally generated funds (IGF) to reduce dependence on DACF transfers and promote sustainable local development.

He highlighted increasing revenue through property rates, market levies, and other charges as a means to boost local revenue. Yamson also discussed the DACF's intentions to incentivize assemblies to increase their own revenue and reward efforts in expanding their economic base. The DACF is pursuing reforms to improve transparency through digital systems like the Intellects platform, which provides real-time monitoring of returns, bank reconciliations, and development projects at the electoral area level.

A new Community Partners Fund has been launched to mobilize additional resources from various entities to support local development projects, complementing government transfers and fostering stronger links between assemblies and private-sector financing. Yamson called for collaboration among Parliament, government institutions, development partners, assemblies, and citizens to ensure decentralisation delivers meaningful local development and strengthens fiscal, administrative, and political autonomy for local governments.