In a report tabled in parliament on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the Auditor General revealed that illegal expenditure in government decreased to Rwf 2.57 billion in 2023 from Rwf 6.45 billion in the previous year.

Kamuhire told the MPs that the new audit, utilizing a preventive approach to contract review, unearthed Rwf 6.92 billion in financial losses likely to be recovered.

He, however, warned that further efforts are needed to curb unaccounted-for expenditures in government.

“There is still a need for Chief Budget Managers to put in place strong internal controls to avoid them,” the Auditor General remarked.

At the same time, the AG disclosed that the year ended June 2023 saw an increase in the proportion of government expenditure audited, rising to 96 percent from 95 percent in the previous year.

During the period, the total government expenditure was Rwf 5.19 trillion, with the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) auditing expenditures totaling Rwf 4.98 trillion.

The performance audits focused on the areas of national interest in agriculture, education, social protection, environment, investment, ICT, finance and economy sectors.

“We issued two hundred twenty-two (222) financial audit and (220) compliance audit reports for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. Additionally, we carried out sixteen (16) performance audits, seven (7) IS audits, and ten (10) special audits,” Kamuhire told MPs.

According to OAG, there was a gradual improvement in audit outcomes in 2023 compared to 2022.

"The proportion of audited entities receiving unqualified opinions in financial audits increased to 92% from 68% in the previous year. Similarly, those receiving unqualified opinions in compliance audits of laws and regulations on public spending rose to 69% from 61%, and for compliance with laws and regulations to realize Value for Money, the entities receiving unqualified opinions increased to 59% from 57%. Furthermore, the percentage of fully implemented recommendations rose to 59% from 57%," he added.