Kitgum district is preparing for the release of the 3rd quarter budget call circular for the financial year 2024/2025, amid expectations of significant changes in funding allocations.
This was revealed by the district vice chairperson, Lapyem Emmanuel while reading a draft budget estimate for fiscal year 2025/2026 which is projected to a tune of shs41.2 billion. Lapyem said that the district is focusing on key sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development, and climate resilience, to drive sustainable growth.
Also the secretary finance, planning and Administration, Lapyem said the district anticipates changes in the Uganda Road Fund (URF) allocations, particularly for newly created sub-counties and two town councils, which currently lack designated funding.
He said in a strategic move to enhance financial accountability; an internal audit system has been introduced with an allocation of shs26 million to cover the district and the two town councils.
Additionally, Kitgum will receive shs406 million under the Performance-Based Climate Resilient Grant – LoCAL (Local Climate Adaptation Living) project. This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, aims to enhance the resilience of road infrastructure, ensuring all-weather accessibility.
“It also focuses on improving water supply for domestic and institutional use, promoting energy efficiency, and undertaking afforestation efforts to mitigate climate-related risks,” said Emmanuel Lapyem.
The proposed budget for fiscal year 2025/2026 is shs41.2 billion, reflecting an increase from the shs38.6 billion approved for 2024/2025. The primary driver of this increase is the wage bill, which will rise from shs19.5 billion to shs23.8 billion.
Local revenue collection has reached shs150.4 million, representing 28.7% of the annual target, excluding contributions from farmers under the micro-scale irrigation program. As per financial regulations, 20% of the locally raised revenue is allocated to district council operations, amounting to shs30 million for council and committee meetings.
However, district leaders acknowledge the need to boost local revenue in the remaining quarter of the financial year to bridge financial gaps. Currently, 92% of Kitgum’s budget is funded by the central government, with 7.2% sourced from donors and 0.8% from district-generated revenue.
Sectoral budget allocations for 2025/2026
The proposed budget breakdown for the next financial year includes: Administration shs6.2 billion, Finance and Planning shs290.5 million, Councils & Statutory Bodies shs907.3 million, Production & Marketing shs2.03 billion.
Others are Health & Environment shs11.1 billion, Education & Sports shs15.04 billion, Roads & Engineering shs1.9 billion, Water shs571.3 million, Natural Resources (Land, Forestry & Environment) shs397 million, Community-Based Services shs2.2 billion, Planning Unit shs305 million, Internal Audit shs24 million and TIELD shs97 million.
Call for revenue mobilization
The Chief Administration Officer for Kitgum District, Stella Abyeto, emphasized the need for increased local revenue mobilization to support development projects. The district council faces the challenge of ensuring sufficient funds for essential services and infrastructure improvements.
She said as the budget scrutiny process progresses, district leaders will present detailed priorities for review and final approval to ensure that resources are allocated effectively to drive development and service delivery.
By Vincent Kaguta