By Mike Rwothomio

Zombo District Council has approved a total budget of Ugx 41,589,259,689 for the 2026/27 financial year, with Education, Health, and Administration sectors taking the largest allocations.

The Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Mr. Mustafa Ongom, presented the budget during a council session held at the District Council Chambers on Wednesday, 6th April 2026.

According to the approved estimates, Education takes Ugx 18,860,095,566, representing 45.35% of the total budget. Health follows with Ugx 7.2 billion (17.32%), while Administration receives Ugx 6.9 billion, accounting for 16.80%. The remaining departments share the balance of the budget.

While tabling the budget for approval, Mr. Ongom urged honourable councillors to play their positive roles in ensuring successful implementation.

The budget is themed: “Full monetization of Uganda’s economy through commercial Agriculture, Industrialization, Services expansion, Digital transformation and market access.”

Revenue Sources

The budget will be financed through: Local Revenue 4.1%, Discretionary Government Transfers 14.72%, Conditional Government Transfers 78.09%, Other Government Transfers 2.41%, and External Financing 0.65%.

Zombo District LCV Chairperson, Mr. James Oruna Oyullu, welcomed the budget, noting that the increase to 41 billion shillings will boost the local economy, education, and service delivery.

District Council Speaker, Mr. Hassan Ringtho, who presided over the session, called upon the technical team to implement the work plan as soon as resources are available. 

He emphasised the need for maximum transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in the utilisation of public resources to deliver quality services to the district’s population of over 300,000 residents.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Festus Ayikobua, lauded the council for exercising its mandate and stressed the importance of close monitoring of programmes to ensure effective service delivery.

The session, which was the last for the 2021–2026 term, saw councillors awarded certificates of recognition for their service over the past five years.

Certificates were issued to the LCV Chairperson, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Council Speaker, and the Clerk to Council.

Councilors outlined key strategies for successful budget implementation, including rigorous resource mobilisation and management, effective coordination and networking, harnessing synergies among development partners, participatory community mobilisation and empowerment, and an integrated approach to budget execution.

The budget was approved in line with the Public Finance Management Act and Local Government budgeting guidelines.

The overall budget, aligned with national priorities, will support infrastructure improvements, commercial agriculture, livelihood enhancement, proper resource utilisation, and community participation.

Finance Secretary Mustafa Ongom noted that the heavy investment in Education and Health will support improved human capital development, while increased focus on water and administration will bolster basic infrastructure and governance efficiency.

Mr. Ongom stated that the approved allocations are strategically designed to tackle persistent challenges facing the district. These include inadequate school infrastructure (classrooms), high dropout rates of around 10%, poor academic performance, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies.

“The 45.35% allocation to Education will help address these gaps by improving learning environments, reducing dropouts, and enhancing overall educational outcomes for learners,” Ongom said.

Although Zombo District has nearly 17 health facilities, limited access to quality healthcare services continues to contribute to public health burdens. The 17.32% allocation to Health is expected to support better health infrastructure and service delivery, improve maternal and child health, reduce disease prevalence linked to poor sanitation and water sources, and extend services to the wider population.

Zombo Councillors and leaders posed for a photo with their awarded certificates after the session