Namisindwa Targets Shs43.5 Billion Budget, Pledges Better Service Delivery and Infrastructure Development

Namisindwa District has proposed a budget of more than Shs43.5 billion for the Financial Year 2027/28, with over half of the projected expenditure earmarked for salaries as the district seeks to strengthen service delivery, expand infrastructure and improve the livelihoods of residents.

The proposed budget was presented during the district budget conference held on Friday at the Adaptation Centre, bringing together political leaders, technical officials, security personnel, representatives of non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on development priorities and resource allocation for the next financial year.

The conference was held under the theme, “Full Monetization of Uganda's Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access,” reflecting the government's broader development agenda of transforming the economy through productive sectors and improved access to markets.

Presenting the budget estimates, Wabweni Anthony, who represented the District Planner, said Namisindwa expects to receive grants amounting to more than Shs43.5 billion in the 2027/28 financial year.

He revealed that the wage component would consume the largest share of the proposed budget, with more than Shs21 billion allocated to salaries, representing approximately 50 per cent of the total projected resources.

The remaining funds are expected to support various sectors, including production, health, education and works, among other essential areas.

The budget proposals are intended to guide the district's development priorities while ensuring that available resources are directed towards critical government programmes and improved public service delivery.

Namisindwa District LC5 Chairperson Emma Bwayo said the budget conference provides an important platform for political leaders, technical officials and other stakeholders to identify pressing community needs and agree on priorities that will guide the district's development agenda.

Bwayo emphasised the importance of improving administrative infrastructure, revealing that the district intends to ensure that every lower local government has an office constructed by the government.

He said the initiative would strengthen local administration, improve coordination of government programmes and bring public services closer to the communities.

He further identified works, production, education and health as key sectors that require continued attention, noting that prioritising these areas would contribute to improved service delivery and better livelihoods for the people of Namisindwa.

Meanwhile, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Lomongini Joseph challenged heads of departments to prepare realistic and achievable budgets that respond to the actual needs of their respective sectors.

Lomongini stressed the importance of accountability, discipline and commitment among public servants, urging departmental heads to ensure that allocated resources translate into tangible results for the communities they serve.

He cautioned technical staff against absenteeism and failure to execute their responsibilities, insisting that staff shortages should not become an excuse for poor performance or failure to deliver essential services.

The CAO called for greater responsibility among public officers, emphasising that effective implementation of government programmes requires commitment at every level of administration.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Elijah Madoi, also called on technical personnel to take their responsibilities seriously, expressing concern over the absence of some sub-county chiefs and Community Development Officers (CDOs) during the budget conference.

He noted that the participation of technical officers in planning meetings was essential for identifying community needs, contributing sector-specific information and ensuring that development priorities are properly captured in the budgeting process.

Madoi also urged LCIII chairpersons to strengthen security operations within their respective communities as the Christmas festive season approaches.

He warned that criminals could take advantage of increased movements, celebrations and commercial activities during the festive period to engage in theft and other unlawful activities.

He called for vigilance and stronger collaboration between local leaders, security agencies and residents to prevent crime and maintain peace throughout the communities.

On his part, Tsekululu Sub-county Councillor and Chairperson of the District Works Committee, Moses Waburoko, urged councillors to take the proposed budget estimates back to their respective committees for detailed scrutiny.

Waburoko said the committee discussions would provide an opportunity to examine the proposed allocations, assess sectoral priorities and make recommendations before the district approves its final budget in May next year.

He emphasised the importance of thorough scrutiny to ensure that the final budget reflects the development needs of the different communities and provides for effective implementation of planned projects.

However, District Councillor Maimuna raised concerns about what she described as an uneven distribution of development projects across the district.

She appealed to the district leadership to embrace fairness and equity in allocating resources, arguing that all communities deserve to benefit from government programmes regardless of their geographical location.

Maimuna particularly called for greater consideration of areas facing significant development challenges, urging leaders to ensure that the budgeting process addresses existing disparities and distributes opportunities according to community needs.

Adding a development and economic perspective to the discussions, Wabomba Edwin, an urban planning expert and Chief Executive Officer of Wakari Housing, a non-governmental organisation operating in Uganda, challenged Namisindwa leaders and residents to embrace proper planning as a foundation for sustainable development.

Edwin said effective planning was essential for ensuring that available resources are utilised efficiently, infrastructure is developed systematically and public investments generate meaningful benefits for communities.

He also urged the district leadership to explore and prioritise tourism development, observing that Namisindwa is endowed with several tourist attractions that could be transformed into important economic assets.

According to Edwin, properly identifying, developing and promoting the district's natural attractions could create additional revenue opportunities, stimulate local businesses and generate employment, particularly for young people and other residents.

He emphasised the need to invest in tourism infrastructure, improve access to attraction sites and strengthen their promotion to attract visitors and unlock the district's tourism potential.

The proposal, he noted, could complement the district's existing development priorities by broadening its economic base and creating opportunities beyond the traditional sectors of agriculture and public service.

The budget conference comes at a critical stage in the district's planning process, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to assess development challenges, identify priority interventions and make recommendations ahead of the final approval of the FY2027/28 budget.

As the proposals undergo further scrutiny by the respective committees, attention will be on ensuring that the projected Shs43.5 billion is allocated equitably and strategically, with a strong focus on infrastructure development, improved public services, accountability and sustainable economic growth across Namisindwa.

Source: Eric Mwasame Bugisu News Platform