Lamwo council passes budget despite sitting confusion

Lamwo district council has approved a shs35.4 billion budget for the financial year 2026/2027, though the process was overshadowed by confusion and disagreements over whether the council sitting should have taken place at all.

The shs35,445,613,000 budget was passed on Monday after recommendations from standing committees were presented and adopted by councillors.

The budget was presented by Odur Justine Peace, secretary for production, marketing and natural resources, on behalf of the secretary for finance, planning and administration and district vice chairperson, Odongmadiki David.

Odur said the budget followed the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, and the Indicative Planning Figures from the Ministry of Finance.

He further disclosed that some funding components such as those under the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project and Northern Uganda Social Action Fund are yet to be confirmed and will be added later.

Lamwo council noted that additional funds from government and development partners could increase the current estimates before full implementation.

However, the approved budget will support health, education, agriculture, roads, water, and administration.

Additionally, the approval process was thrown into uncertainty after councillors received conflicting communication on whether the sitting would proceed with the session, confirmed for Monday, May 11, 2026,cast into doubt when some councillors including district speaker James Ochola were reportedly told the meeting would not happen.

According to councillors, district officials said the District Chairperson and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) would instead travel for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Some councillors on the other hand had proposed that incoming councillors (not yet sworn in) handle the budget approval, but the date for their assumption of office remains unclear.

Lamwo district council speaker James Ochola slammed the disruptions, insisting that council business should not be halted due to a few absent leaders.

“Council must continue as long as quorum is realized and it is not proper for district business, especially budget approval, to be delayed because some officials are attending another function,” he said.

Ochola expressed disappointment with the district chairperson and his vice, noting earlier communication had indicated the latter would represent the district leadership.

Despite the uncertainty, councillors proceeded and unanimously passed the budget, paving the way for submission to national authorities for financial year 2026/2027.

However, some remained dissatisfied, arguing it would have been better for the incoming council to handle the approval once sworn in.

The incident has raised broader concerns about coordination and transition management within Lamwo’s district leadership.