Kamuli, Uganda: The District Local Government for Kamuli has approved a UGX 78.1 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, with leaders raising red flags over accountability, service delivery, and limited local revenue generation.
The budget, passed during the district council’s final sitting of the term, marks an increase from UGX 71 billion in the previous financial year, largely driven by enhanced government transfers and salary adjustments.
Outgoing LCV Chairperson Sarah Sambya, who presented the estimates, revealed that the bulk of the budget, about UGX 67 billion, comes from conditional government grants, with local revenue contributing only UGX 1.1 billion and external financing at UGX 2.5 billion.
She noted that the education sector takes the largest share at UGX 36.3 billion, followed by health at UGX 16.5 billion and administration at UGX 13.6 billion, while sectors such as trade and industry receive significantly less funding.
“We have done our best during our term… but as leaders, we must continue to serve with commitment and passion because ultimately we return to the people,” Sambya said.
Incoming LCV Chairperson Kaloli Dhizaala called for stronger accountability and better service delivery, warning that implementation, not just planning, will determine impact.
“The most important thing is not the budget but its implementation. We need financial discipline, transparency, and collective responsibility,” Dhizaala said, urging leaders to prioritise quality service delivery and rebuild public trust.
Concerns over shrinking fiscal autonomy were also raised, with outgoing councillor Chris Wabwire arguing that local governments have lost control over budgeting due to reliance on Indicative Planning Figures from the Ministry of Finance.
Chief Administrative Officer Ben Lawrence Marley explained that the increase to UGX 78.1 billion followed revised allocations from central government to cater for enhanced teachers’ salaries.
“Our focus now is on discipline, strengthening audit systems, addressing staffing gaps, and ensuring proper utilisation of funds,” Marley said, adding that recruitment and capacity building will be prioritised.
The district leadership pledged to focus on key areas including education, healthcare, and administrative efficiency, while also improving accountability mechanisms to enhance service delivery.
The session also marked the close of the council term, with outgoing councillors awarded certificates in recognition of their service.
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