Kotido, Uganda: Leaders from Kotido District have called for urgent budgetary reforms and staffing overhauls as Uganda prepares its national budget for the 2026/27 financial year, highlighting long-standing structural inequalities that hinder service delivery in their region.
Speaking at a regional budget consultative workshop held at Margarita Palace Hotel in Lira City, Kotido Municipality Mayor Peter Abrahams Irar condemned glaring salary disparities within local government.
Irar pointed out that mayors earn as little as UGX 700,000, while town clerks, whom they supervise, take home over UGX 5 million. “How do you supervise someone who earns seven times more than you? If this is the system, we just go to God,” he said, drawing nods of agreement from fellow participants.
Officials from Kotido also raised concerns over low staffing levels in critical departments, insufficient vehicles for field monitoring, and inadequate funding for road maintenance, noting that the uniform allocation of UGX 1 billion for road works does not reflect the challenging terrain and infrastructure needs of remote districts.
“We’re not asking for favors. We’re asking for fairness. Budgeting should reflect reality, not assumptions,” a district planner said.
In response, Commissioner Hellen Jenny Owechi from the Ministry of Finance acknowledged the challenges and pledged targeted interventions. She announced plans for recruitment drives to address staffing gaps and urged districts to align priorities with the National Development Plan IV while strengthening revenue mobilization and planning frameworks.
“This is not just about numbers. It’s about making sure services reach the people who need them most,” Owechi emphasized.
The Kotido delegation’s appeal resonated with leaders from Apac, Kole, Kaabong, Dokolo, Alebtong, and Otuke, who shared similar frustrations over inequitable allocations. Their message highlighted the need for an inclusive and responsive budgeting process that reflects the realities of Uganda’s diverse districts.
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