By Haron Okwir
Otuke, Uganda | Otuke District Council has approved a Shs25.97 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, reflecting a 1.2 percent increase from the previous year.
The budget, passed during a full council meeting held at the district headquarters, outlines priority spending on education, health, and administration.
The session was presided over by District Speaker Mr Ogwal Lameck YK, with the budget presentation made by the Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Mr Benson Oyaka.
Mr Oyaka noted that the education sector has been allocated the largest portion of the budget at Shs10.75 billion (41.4%), followed by the health sector at Shs4.49 billion (17.3%), and administration at Shs3.68 billion (14.2%).
Internal audit, trade, and local economic development received the least allocations.
The approved budget will be financed through a combination of local revenue and central government transfers, in line with national fiscal policy and the Public Finance Management Act.
Mandatory planning documents submitted alongside the budget include the Revenue Enhancement Plan, Recruitment Plan, Capacity Building Strategy, and the District Procurement Plan.
While addressing council, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr Isaac Opio Opeo, commended both political and technical leaders for passing the budget harmoniously.
He observed that many districts experience challenges during budget approvals, but Otuke has maintained peace and focus.
Mr Opio described the district’s budget priorities-particularly in education, health, and agricultural production—as well-aligned with the national development agenda, particularly the President’s socio-economic transformation programme.
“…This is a solid budget, and if implemented well, it can transform service delivery in Otuke…,” he said. He urged councilors to closely monitor implementation to ensure funds are utilised effectively.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Administrative Officer, the LC5 Chairperson, departmental heads, division leaders, and members of the public.
The theme for the 2025/2026 financial year is: “Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.”
The council now shifts its attention to executing the priorities laid out in the budget, with leaders expressing optimism that the new allocations will support tangible development outcomes across the district.