Lamwo district council has tabled a draft budget of shs32.8 billion for the financial year 2026/2027, reflecting a significant reduction in projected revenues and expenditures compared to the current financial year.
The draft budget was presented before the district council in line with the Public Finance Management Act 2015, which requires local governments to present draft estimates for scrutiny and approval by the end of May.
Presenting the budget, the district vice chairperson and secretary for finance, planning and administration, Odongmadiki David, said the estimates were derived from the Draft Indicative Planning Figures (IPFs) issued under the Second Budget Call Circular by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
He noted that these figures guide local governments in aligning their budgets with national priorities.
Odongmadiki explained that the district is still awaiting the Third Budget Call Circular, which will provide updated figures and guidance for final adjustments before approval.
He added that some funding streams have not yet been confirmed, including allocations under the National Oil Seed Project, as well as the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP) Phase II and the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF-IV).
These are expected to be incorporated once communication from the central government is finalised.
The proposed budget of shs32,805,537,000 represents a 14.9 percent decline from the current 2025/2026 budget of shs38.54 billion, highlighting fiscal pressures facing the district.
Revenue projections indicate that local revenue will contribute shs456 million, discretionary government transfers shs4.97 billion, conditional government transfers shs25 billion, other government transfers shs6 billion, and donor or NGO funding shs1.5 billion.
While receiving the draft budget, female youth councillor Abalo Doris welcomed the proposal but urged leaders to ensure that the limited resources are equitably distributed to address pressing youth challenges.
She emphasised the need to prioritise programs that create employment opportunities and support youth livelihoods.
“We appreciate the efforts made in preparing this budget despite the financial constraints, but as leaders, we must ensure that the voices of young people are reflected, especially in areas of skills development and income generation,” Abalo said.
The motion to receive the draft budget was seconded by Odur Justine Peace, the Councilor for Aceba sub-county, who called for thorough scrutiny by council committees. She stressed the importance of accountability and ensuring that all sectors receive adequate attention during the budgeting process.
“This budget comes at a time when our communities still face many challenges. It is important that committees critically analyze it to ensure value for money and effective service delivery,” she noted.
District council speaker James Ochola commended the executive for fulfilling its legal obligation of presenting the draft budget on time. He directed all standing committees to expedite the scrutiny process while maintaining diligence to ensure the final document reflects the needs of the people.
“We must handle this process with seriousness and within the stipulated timelines. Committees should engage stakeholders and return with well-informed recommendations,” Ochola guided.
On his part, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Moses Kapolon Chuna, reaffirmed the technical team’s commitment to supporting the council throughout the budgeting process. He assured members that adjustments would be made once all pending funding confirmations are received.
“We are working closely with line ministries to ensure that all expected funds are captured. The technical team remains committed to implementing a realistic and compliant budget that will deliver services to our people,” Kapolon stated.
Odongmadiki appealed to the standing committees to complete their review within one month to enable timely approval of the budget by the end of May 2026.
Councillors unanimously received the draft budget, paving the way for detailed scrutiny by sectoral committees before its final approval.
Once passed, the budget will guide service delivery and development priorities in Lamwo district amid ongoing financial constraints.
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