Kiryandongo district sh48b budget prioritises socio-economic transformation

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Kiryandongo District Council has approved budget estimates totalling sh48b for the Financial Year 2026/2027. 

Leaders have pledged to accelerate socio-economic transformation through improved service delivery and infrastructure development, aiming to transform Kiryandongo from a predominantly rural, subsistence agricultural entity into a thriving industrialised district with reputable leadership and an improved quality of life for all residents by 2040.

According to David Mugenyi, the Secretary for Finance, the education sector received the largest allocation within the approved budget framework, amounting to sh18b.

These funds are earmarked for teachers’ salaries and the improvement of school infrastructure across the district. 

Health service delivery secured the second-largest share at sh9.3b, while the production and marketing department was allocated sh2b to support agricultural production and commercialisation initiatives.

Anselem Kyaligonza, the Chief Administrative Officer for Kiryandongo, noted that the resource envelope for the Financial Year 2026/2027 has increased by 1.97 percent compared to the current Financial Year 2025/2026. 

This increase is largely attributed to enhanced funding from the Ministry of Finance, various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as development partners and donors.

The council was also informed that, at the time of approving the new budget, revenue performance for the previous financial year showed mixed results across different funding sources. 

Locally raised revenue performance stood at 64 percent of the targeted sh3.4b while central government transfers performed at 75 percent of the projected sh4.2b. Other government transfers registered 51 percent performance out of the expected sh2.1b, whereas external financing exceeded expectations by achieving 110 percent performance, amounting to sh3.6b.

Under the new financial year, the district plans to focus expenditure on key development projects aimed at improving public service delivery and residents' living standards. 

Priority areas include the construction and rehabilitation of administration blocks, classrooms, staff houses, roads, VIP latrines in schools, health facility infrastructure, markets, and water facilities. District leaders stated that these planned investments are expected to improve education standards, healthcare access, sanitation, transport connectivity, and economic activities within communities.

However, during discussions on the implementation of the current budget, district authorities acknowledged persistent challenges that have affected service delivery and project implementation. 

Major challenges highlighted included low staffing levels across various departments, limited community participation in government programs, and the negative attitude of some taxpayers towards local revenue payments.

Council members emphasised the need for increased public sensitisation on tax compliance, strengthening staffing structures, and encouraging community involvement in monitoring government programs to ensure effective implementation of the approved budget.

Leaders expressed optimism that, despite these challenges, the district remains committed to achieving sustainable development and improving livelihoods through the prudent utilisation of the approved resources.