Lamwo district local government has projected to collect shs456 million in locally generated revenue during the financial year 2026/2027, representing approximately 1.3 per cent of the district’s overall expected budget revenue.
District authorities say the revenue will be mobilised from various local sources, including trade licenses, market dues, business registration fees, property tax, physical planning fees, land-related charges, application fees, animal and crop levies, sales of district assets and properties, miscellaneous income, and other local taxes and service charges.
The district has also issued a gazette notice of rates for property valuation, with properties across the district valued at approximately shs1.85 billion as part of preparations to strengthen local revenue collection.
Lamwo district secretary for finance, planning and administration, Odongmadiki David, said the publication of the valuation list and rates was done in accordance with Section 26 of the Local Government Rating Act, 2005, which requires local governments to publicly display and publish valuation lists before implementation.
Odongmadiki explained that the actual collection of property rates is expected to commence effectively in the next financial year under Section 27 of the same Act.
He noted that the district is working towards widening its local revenue base in order to reduce overdependence on central government transfers and improve local service delivery.
“We want to strengthen our local revenue collection so that the district can effectively support service delivery, infrastructure development, and other community programs,” Odongmadiki said.
Lamwo district chairperson, Oyet Sisto Ocen, welcomed the move, saying local revenue remains critical for the smooth operation of district activities and implementation of council decisions.
Ocen said many district programs and administrative activities depend heavily on locally raised revenue, especially in areas where conditional government funding cannot be utilised.
“Local revenue is very important because it supports activities that are not directly funded by the central government. It helps the district respond to community priorities and administrative obligations,” Ocen explained.
He urged residents, business owners, and property owners to cooperate with the district during the implementation of the new valuation and revenue collection measures.
The speaker of the Lamwo district council, James Ochola, also emphasised the importance of local revenue in supporting council operations and facilitating legislative oversight.
Ochola said district councils rely on a percentage of locally generated revenue to support council activities, including monitoring and facilitation of councillors
He noted that by law, the district council retains 20 percent of locally raised revenue to facilitate council operations and support councilors in executing their oversight responsibilities.
“Council activities largely depend on local revenue. Without it, it becomes difficult for councillors to effectively monitor government programs and represent the interests of the communities,” Ochola said.
The Chief Administrative Officer of Lamwo, Chuna Moses Kapolon, said the district leadership is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the collection and utilisation of local revenue.
Kapolon noted that strengthening local revenue collection will improve the district’s financial sustainability and increase its ability to address local development challenges.
He added that the district administration will continue sensitising communities about the importance of paying taxes and complying with local government regulations.
“We are encouraging residents to appreciate that local revenue supports development initiatives within their own communities. The funds collected are used to improve services and support district operations,” Kapolon said.
Meanwhile, Aciro Anna, the female councillor representing Paloga sub-county at the district council, called for fairness and transparency in the implementation of the new property rates and tax measures.
Aciro urged district authorities to conduct adequate public sensitisation so that residents fully understand the purpose of the taxes and how the revenue will benefit communities.
She said many residents still have a limited understanding of local taxation and may resist payment if proper awareness is not raised.
“The district should continue engaging the communities so that people understand why they are paying these taxes and how the money will support development in their areas,” Aciro said.
District leaders expressed optimism that the planned revenue measures will enhance financial capacity and enable the district to improve public service delivery, infrastructure development, and implementation of local government programs in the coming financial year.
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