Ntungamo Proposes Shs77bn Budget, Allocates Only Shs3.3bn to Development

What the report says

Ntungamo District Local Government has proposed a Shs77 billion budget for the 2027/2028 financial year, according to Nile Post. The plan sets aside Shs55 billion for wages, Shs18 billion for non-wage spending and about Shs3.3 billion for development, highlighting a tight fiscal picture for the district.

The budget was presented at the district’s budget conference, where leaders reviewed the previous year’s performance and discussed priorities for the next financial year. Officials said staffing shortages remain a major challenge, with the district’s staffing level reported at 43 per cent. District leaders said this has affected key sectors such as education and production, where services are operating below capacity.

Ntungamo LC5 chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigoba said the district still needs more teachers and extension workers, while Ruhaama County MP Beatrice Rwakimaari urged the Ministry of Local Government to increase wage funding so more staff can be recruited. Senior Planner Johnson Ahabwe said the development allocation is too small to meet needs in education, health, water and production, and argued that significantly more would be required for the district’s size and demands.

The report said the district also faces pressure on local revenue collection, partly because foot-and-mouth disease has disrupted livestock markets in the cattle corridor. Chief Administrative Officer William Kamara said the budget will emphasize domestic revenue mobilisation, fiscal discipline and support for the district’s development priorities, including roads, water, health and the Parish Development Model.