South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Wednesday pushed the South Sudan Audit Chamber Act 2011, Amendment Bill 2022, from second to third reading after deliberation.
The bill was presented by Justin Joseph Maroma, Chairperson of the Standing Specialized Committee on Public Accounts, during an ordinary sitting on Wednesday.
The bill, which consists of 43 sections, was initially tabled before Parliament in its first reading on 2 September 2024 by then Minister of Justice Reuben Madol Arol.
Hon. Justin Joseph Maroma stated that the amendment bill ensures the Audit Chamber Act 2011 aligns with constitutional and legal principles, as well as the 2018 peace agreement.
“The provisions of the Amendment Bill are not in conflict with any other existing laws but strengthen other laws such as the Public Finance Management and Accountability Act 2011, amended 2023,” Maroma said.
He added that the bill would guarantee the independence of the institution and enhance issues of accountability.
It forms part of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform, which is required as per Article 4.5 of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement.
William Obach Utong, a lawmaker representing Panyikang County of Upper Nile State under SSOA, stated that audit chambers play a crucial role in the financial reporting process.
“The Audit Chamber is very important for all institutions to check and audit the budget presented to Parliament,” Utong said.
“All this time since we gained independence, I have never seen this institution go to any other institution to conduct a check or an audit.”
Dr. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, noted that the bill has advanced from the second to the third reading stage, where the discussion will focus on the most critical issues.
“We have passed the bill from the second to the third reading stage, and the committee is now tasked with arranging a report based on the observations made here and then presenting it at the third reading,” Kumba said.
The bill provides for the establishment and governance of the National Audit Chamber, the appointment of the Auditor General, Deputy Auditor General, and Auditors, the establishment of corporate staff and the National Audit Chamber Advisory Committee, as well as the core functions of the Audit Chamber.
It also outlines procedures for auditing and reporting on the accounts of government ministries, institutions, agencies, departments, and corporations that receive government funds.
