Lira, Uganda | Lira City Council has approved an ambitious five-year City Development Plan IV estimated at UGX 800 billion, targeting key infrastructure, health, education, and urban service priorities.
The strategic plan will run from 2025 to 2030 and align with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
The decision was reached on Wednesday May 28, 2025, during a special council sitting chaired by Speaker Counsel Patrick Okwir at Lira Palms Garden, attended by Mayor Sam Atul, councillors, the RCC, city technical teams, and development partners, including VNG International.
Speaking at the sitting, Mayor Atul described the plan as historic, being the first official development roadmap since Lira was elevated to city status.
He urged council members to ensure full implementation and take personal ownership of the plan’s outcomes.
Among the key priorities in the five-year plan are:
- Construction of a modern city cemetery, abattoirs, and a bus terminal.
- Drainage system upgrades to reduce flooding.
- Establishment of a youth rehabilitation center, city records management system, and job center.
- Construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, toilets, and staff housing in primary schools.
- Upgrade of health centers, including new Health Centre IIIs in underserved communities.
- Development of an industrial park in Aler and a tourism and cultural heritage center.
The city will also invest in a motor roller and complete payment for a motor grader, which is expected to lower road construction costs and expand the city’s road coverage.
Alongside the long-term plan, the council also passed the UGX 42.7 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, with education (UGX 18 billion), health (UGX 5.8 billion), administration, and works receiving the highest allocations.
Local revenue is projected at UGX 6.5 billion, while central government transfers are expected to cover the rest.
Omara Elem revealed that Lira City Council’s acquisition of a motor grader has significantly cut costs previously spent on hiring road maintenance equipment, adding that a motor roller will also be secured before the end of June to boost road construction efforts.
Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole applauded the council for its performance and described Lira City as one of the most disciplined and corruption-free urban councils.
He called on leaders to focus on land recovery and revenue mobilisation to achieve the goals set in the new development plan.
Councillor contributions highlighted the urgent need for proper land allocation for public projects and a push for more education and health investments, especially in underserved areas like Omito Ward.
The speaker closed the sitting by calling the approval a “turning point” and urged unity across all political affiliations to deliver the city’s vision by 2030.