Nebbi, Uganda: The Nebbi District Local Government has convened its annual budget conference to draft the Budget Framework Paper for the Financial Year 2025/26, with a renewed focus on aligning local plans with national priorities under Uganda’s Strategic Direction and Vision 2040.
The conference, held at the Nebbi Cathedral Conference Hall, brought together district leaders, civil servants, and development stakeholders to deliberate on planning, resource allocation, and performance priorities for the next financial year.
According to Nebbi District Planner, Mr. Opio Boniface, the conference was organized in line with Section 7(1) and (2)(a & b) of the Public Finance Management Regulations (2016) to guide the preparation of the Budget Framework Paper for FY 2025/26.
“This year’s conference provides a platform for local governments to discuss Government’s Strategic Direction and Budget Strategy for FY 2025/26,” Mr. Opio said. “The theme focuses on Full Monetization of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialization, Expansion and Broadening of Services, Digital Transformation, and Market Access.”
He noted that the district’s 2025/26 planning framework emphasizes Agro-Industrialization, Tourism Development, Mineral Development, Science, Technology & Innovation, Environmental Protection, Disaster Management, and Anti-Corruption Efforts — all aligned to Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
Speaking at the same event, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) Mr. Muluuta Mugagga reiterated the district’s commitment to ensuring all departmental budgets reflect government priorities and contribute to sustainable growth.
“As Nebbi District, we must ensure that all departmental budgets are aligned with national priorities under the Strategic Direction in the National Development Plan IV,” he said. “Our focus must remain on transforming Nebbi from a peasant to a modern and prosperous society by 2040.”
Muluuta called on all Heads of Departments to adhere strictly to the Budget Call Circular guidelines, maintain discipline in observing the budget calendar, and ensure that all programs are consistent with the District Development Plan IV Program Implementation Action Plan.
“As duty bearers, let us demonstrate integrity, discipline, and commitment in our planning and budgeting functions so that Nebbi District remains on course to achieve our vision,” Muluuta added.
On cross-cutting concerns, Muluuta emphasized the need for inclusive and sustainable planning.
He said the district’s FY 2025/26 budget must integrate issues such as Gender and Equity Mainstreaming, Support for Women, Children, and the Elderly, Environment and Climate Change Mitigation, and HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Epidemic Preparedness.
“These are critical to ensuring inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development across all sectors,” he stressed.
Call for Accountability, Public Participation
Nebbi District Vice Chairperson, Mr. Okello Geoffrey, appealed to Accounting Officers to strengthen the planning function across all departments. “If we are to enhance the district’s credibility as accountable stewards of public resources, we must adequately plan and budget for key interventions,” Okello said.
He also called for greater citizen participation in planning and budgeting processes, emphasizing that communities should not only identify problems but also contribute to designing solutions.
“Deepening public participation enhances ownership of projects and ensures that budgets reflect real community priorities,” he noted.
The Nebbi budget conference thus reaffirmed the district’s commitment to efficient resource management, transparency, and sustainable economic transformation, key pillars in driving Uganda’s Vision 2040 agenda at the local level.
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