Lira, Uganda | Lira City West Council has postponed the approval of its 2025/2026 financial year budget following the discovery of significant discrepancies during a session held at Hotel Protocol Amuca.
The meeting was adjourned until Monday, June 2, 2025, to allow further review and correction of the budget documents.
Speaker Daniel Okello expressed concern over a reported revenue shortfall exceeding UGX 1 billion, primarily related to locally generated funds.
He instructed the revenue accounting team to address the inaccuracies before the budget is resubmitted for approval.
Councilor Bonny Otim of Obutowelo Ward emphasized the council’s reliance on 20 percent of local revenue.
He highlighted the absence of the revenue accountant during the session, which he said hindered proper accountability and raised questions among council members.
Lydia Akello, a councilor representing Junior Quarters and Kirombe and a finance committee member, disclosed that approximately UGX 1 billion of the projected UGX 3 billion local revenue was not scrutinized during committee meetings, fueling doubts about the budget’s transparency.
The proposed budget, presented by Hon. Amolo Rose Ongom, Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Administration, projects total revenue of UGX 4.14 billion for the division.
Expenditure priorities focus heavily on administration and finance, including significant transfers to Lira City (UGX 1.625 billion) and local councils (UGX 437 million).
A notable line item is the allocation of UGX 160 million for a double cabin pickup vehicle, which has drawn criticism from some stakeholders who argue funds should prioritize urgent service delivery needs such as health center expansions and educational infrastructure.
Concerns were also raised regarding the reliance on the Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS) for revenue collection, alongside a sharp decline in park user fee income from UGX 540 million in 2015/2016 to UGX 30 million annually, casting doubts on the sustainability of revenue streams.
The expanded jurisdiction of Lira City West, now encompassing former Adyel Division, Ojwina Division, and Lira Sub-County, further intensifies the pressure on council resources.
Stakeholders and council members have called for greater transparency and stringent oversight as the council prepares to reconvene and address outstanding budgetary issues.