Lira City West, June 2, 2025 – Lira City West Division has approved a UGX 4.1 billion budget for the Financial Year 2025/26, aimed at fostering sustainable industrialization and inclusive growth. The budget, presented by Hon. Amolo Rose Ongom, Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Administration, and Lira City West Mayor, was passed with amendments, prioritizing public health, works and transport, and education.

Budget Overview

The total projected revenue for Lira City West Division stands at UGX 4,140,741,116, sourced as follows:

• Local Revenue: UGX 3,250,000,000
• Urban Discretionary Development Equalization Grant: UGX 216,171,009
• Urban Unconditional Grant-Nonwage: UGX 90,267,380
• Ex-gratia: UGX 137,280,000
• Private Sector Development/Trade, Commercial Service: UGX 12,022,727
• Local Revenue Grant from City (30% LC1 & LC11): UGX 435,000,000

The expenditure plan allocates funds across key sectors:

• Administration (Public Sector Transformation): UGX 762,244,300
• Finance & Planning (Development Plan Implementation): UGX 2,283,634,280
• Revenue Unit (Development Plan Implementation): UGX 171,300,200
• Council & Committee (Legislation, Oversight): UGX 330,018,000
• Agro-Industrialization: UGX 50,000,000
• Public Health (Human Capital Development): UGX 198,279,800
• Education & Sports (Human Capital Development): UGX 60,000,000
• Works & Technical Services (Transport Infrastructure): UGX 137,170,909
• Natural Resources, Environment, Climate Change: UGX 17,000,000
• Community Based Services (Mobilisation & Mindset): UGX 66,430,100
• Commercial-Private Sector Development: UGX 42,022,727
• Sustainable Urbanization and Housing: UGX 22,640,800

Significant allocations include UGX 1,625,000,000 for transfers to Lira City and UGX 437,000,000 for local councils. A controversial expenditure is the UGX 160,000,000 allocated for a double cabin pickup for administration, which critics argue diverts funds from pressing needs like health center expansions and addressing classroom shortages, where some students still sit on the floor.

Leadership’s Vision

Hon. Amolo Rose Ongom emphasized that the budget aligns with national goals for sustainable industrialization and inclusive growth. “Public health, works and transport, and education are our top priorities for the financial year,” she stated.

“This budget reflects our commitment to improving the lives of our people while addressing the expanded jurisdiction of Lira City West, now covering former Adyel Division, Ojwina Division, and Lira Sub-County.”

Lira City West Speaker, Hon. Daniel Okello, echoed this sentiment in his address. “This budget is a step toward transformative development. Our focus on health, education, and infrastructure will ensure sustainable growth and better service delivery for our communities,” Okello said.

He urged stakeholders to support the council’s efforts to meet the needs of the expanded jurisdiction despite financial constraints.

Challenges and Concerns

The budget faces challenges, including a shortfall and reliance on the Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS) for revenue collection. A significant concern is the drastic decline in park user fee revenue, dropping from UGX 540 million in 2015/2016 to just UGX 30 million annually. This reduction raises questions about the division’s financial sustainability, especially with the increased responsibility of managing a larger jurisdiction.

Critics have also questioned the prioritization of administrative expenses, such as the double cabin pickup, over critical needs like healthcare and education infrastructure. The lack of adequate classrooms and health facilities remains a pressing issue for residents.

Looking Ahead

The approved budget sets the stage for Lira City West to address key developmental priorities while navigating financial and jurisdictional challenges. With a focus on public health, education, and transport infrastructure, the division aims to deliver on its mandate for inclusive growth. However, effective implementation and prudent financial management will be critical to overcoming the highlighted challenges and meeting the expectations of its residents.

Written by

Francis Oyet

Oyet Francis Opwonya, known commonly as Francis L’Oyet is a Ugandan South Sudanese investigative journalist and software engineer. Oyet is the founder and CEO of Oyet Broadcasting Services (OBS Network), an innovation hub and headquarters of The Northern Press in Uganda and The Malakal Press, located in Malakal City, Upper Nile State in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan