Hoima — Embattled Hoima Town Council chairman Francis Atugonza has asked the government to channel National Agricultural Advisory Services (Naads) funds through churches to prevent further loss of public funds.

"The church is in a better position to implement government programmes which are meant to improve people's livelihoods because the institution is honest. This will prevent the unnecessary loss of public funds which are swindled by some public officials," Mr Atugonza said.

Currently, Naads funds are channelled through chief administrative officers and then down to Naads district coordinators. Mr Atugonza, who is also the opposition FDC's national secretary for trade and industry, reasons that government extension workers should just offer agricultural advice to farmers.

He was speaking at the close of a three-day agricultural exhibition for farmers at Booma grounds in Hoima town on Saturday. Several funds under the programme have reportedly been embezzled in various districts.